Police in Florida shot an 18-year-old during a sting operation set up by the mother of a 13-year-old girl he allegedly sent “inappropriate” text messages to.

Authorities say the suspect, identified as Cerry Banks, arranged to meet the child at a Popeyes fast food restaurant on November 11, only to find himself confronted by the girl’s mother, who had discovered the alleged messages the night before.

Suspect arrives armed, makes threats

Unbeknownst to Banks, the person he had been corresponding with while arranging the meeting was the girl’s mother. “He was ‘not that smart,’” Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Chief of Investigations Alan Parker told reporters. When Banks arrived at the Popeyes, he reportedly pulled a concealed gun from his waistband and issued a chilling threat to the mother, saying, “When you hear the shots tonight, you know what’s up,” Parker recounted. Alarmed, the family retreated into the restaurant and contacted law enforcement.

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Police confrontation and shooting

Officers responded to the scene approximately 30 minutes later. “The suspect was still standing by the business… he had plenty of time to leave,” Parker noted. Banks reportedly ignored multiple commands from officers to turn around and show his hands. Instead, he fled around the corner of the restaurant.

As one officer pursued him, Banks allegedly began pulling the pistol from his waistband. Despite several warnings to drop the weapon, the officer fired multiple shots, striking Banks in the hand and leg. The suspect continued to flee, eventually dropping the gun. A short pursuit ensued, with assistance from a K-9 unit, leading to Banks’ apprehension. He was transported to a local hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition.

Authorities Advise Caution for Parents

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters addressed the mother’s involvement in the situation, acknowledging her protective instincts while urging parents to rely on law enforcement. “It’s protective in nature, and moms and dads are going to do what they feel they need to do to protect their kids. And we can’t really blame them for doing it, but we do ask that they allow us to handle the situations. But I can’t blame [the mother],” he said.

Parker echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of such confrontations. “You never know what someone’s going to do when their back’s against the wall. It’s probably better to leave it to the professionals,” he added. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.