Two people were shot and killed near the ongoing Players Championship before the gunman escaped onto the TPC Sawgrass course, leading to a manhunt across Northeast Florida.
The suspect has been arrested and identified as identified as Christian Barrios, according to St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick.
Barrios allegedly shot two people multiple times at about 10:30pm Friday in the parking lot of Walgreens in what Hardwick called a domestic violence situation. The store is located about a mile from the course and less than a 1,000 feet from other PGA Tour properties.
The victims succumbed to their injuries after being rushed to the hospital, Hardwick told reporters. Their names have not yet been released.
Authorities say Barrios was captured at about 8am Saturday in Nassau County, the far northeastern county in Florida located an hour north of the TPC Sawgrass.
Although nobody on the course was hurt and the suspect had been arrested, tournament officials still delayed opening the gates for the third round of play on Saturday. The PGA cited ‘operational considerations’ in deciding not to open the gates until 9am. The round did begin on schedule at 8:15am, although hospitality areas were delayed opening until 11am.
St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick said the suspect, whom he identified as Christian Barrios, shot two people multiple times at about 10:30pm Friday
Christian Barrios allegedly killed two people at this Walgreens in Ponte Verda Beach, Florida before escaping across the highway and onto the TPC Sawgrass golf course
TPC Sawgrass’ famed 17th green is seen on Friday before the fatal shooting nearby
The Daily Mail has sought further information from both the St. John’s County and Nassau County Sheriff’s Offices.
Hardwick said canine units pursued Barrios onto the TPC Sawgrass after the shooting. He added that the 32-year-old suspect picked up a PGA Tour radio and later dropped it before stealing a black BMW.
‘We know he made contact with some employees in there [TPC Sawgrass],’ Hardwick said. ‘He picked up – we believe it was a radio that belonged to the PGA Tour, not one of our radios and we know he dropped it after that. Our canines used it as a scent when they came in there.’
Nassau County authorities pursued the BMW and ultimately forced a crash into the woods. The suspect fled on foot before being found and taken into custody.
Barrios was arrested in 2023 for an alleged vehicle theft, according to online reports
Play started at TPC Sawgrass on Saturday before crowds were permitted to enter the course
Hardwick said Barrios has a long criminal history that included 27 arrests. Furthermore, Barrios knew the victims, Hardwick said.
‘His criminal history is embarrassing,’ Hardwick said. ‘It makes me sick to my stomach.
‘[Barrios] is out of prison again on probation, committing another violent felony,’ Hardwick continued. ‘Here we are dumping all these resources and families are gonna mourn two people that were shot and killed in a parking lot of Walgreens over domestic violence situation.’
Barrios was arrested for an alleged vehicle theft in 2023, according to online reports.
Hardwick told reporters early Saturday morning that Barrios’ mother was cooperative with officers.
