Two people were shot and killed in a drug store parking lot adjacent to the ongoing Players Championship before the gunman escaped onto the TPC Sawgrass course, leading a manhunt in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
As a result, tournament officials delayed opening the gates for the third round of play on Saturday.
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 in the parking lot of Walgreens in what he called a domestic violence situation. The store is located about a mile from the course.
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.
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.
Hardwick said canine units pursued Barrios onto the TPC Sawgrass after the shooting. He said Barrios, who turned 32 on Saturday, at one point picked up a PGA Tour radio and later dropped it. He then stole a black BMW, and Nassau County authorities pursued the car and forced a crash into the woods.
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
TPC Sawgrass’ famed 17th green is seen on Friday before the fatal shooting nearby
The suspect fled on foot before being found and taken into custody.
Hardwick said Barrios had a long criminal history and knew the victims, both of whom were shot multiple times and taken to a hospital, where they died.
‘His criminal history is embarrassing,’ Hardwick said, adding that Barrios is out of prison on probation. ‘It makes me sick to my stomach.’
Nassau County officials released a photo of Barrios during their manhunt and instructed residents to take caution.
‘Residents in the area of CR 108 and Middle Road are asked to lock their doors and stay inside,’ read the Nassau alert. ‘If you see this individual or anything suspicious, do not approach, and call 911.’
