ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA, Fla. — The Volusia County community is reeling after a tragic shooting claimed the life of off-duty Edgewater police officer David Jewell, 45, on Tuesday afternoon at a Circle K gas station in Ormond-by-the-Sea. Sheriff Mike Chitwood confirmed that the suspect, Eduardo Felipe Labrada Machado, 24, has been taken into custody.
Fatal Shooting at Circle K
According to investigators, the incident occurred at approximately 4:08 p.m. on Ocean Shore Boulevard near Wisteria Drive. Surveillance footage shows Jewell walking into the Circle K when Machado, an employee at the store, briefly exits the building, retrieves a jacket from his car, and then returns inside. Machado allegedly shot Jewell multiple times in the head, killing him on the spot.
A second Circle K employee was initially detained but has been identified as a witness. Authorities believe that Jewell and Machado were acquainted, though the exact motive remains under investigation.
Law Enforcement Response
Sheriff Chitwood described the surveillance footage as “unbelievable” and noted the professionalism and dedication of the victim. “The video is probably something that in 38 years of law enforcement, I can tell you—it’s unbelievable what you see in that video,” Chitwood said.
Acting Edgewater Police Chief Charles Geiger praised Jewell’s character and service, stating, “David was a guy that we could rely on for anything, never heard a bad thing about him, and he’s going to be a tremendous loss to the Edgewater Police Department.”
Victim’s Background
David Jewell had a long history of service in law enforcement. He previously worked for the Volusia Sheriff’s Office as a Telecommunicator and most recently served as an off-duty officer with the Edgewater Police Department. Colleagues and community members remember him as dependable, dedicated, and deeply committed to public safety.
Investigation and Area Closures
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area. Ocean Shore Boulevard is closed from Briggs to San Jose Drive as investigators continue processing the scene.
For media personnel responding to the area, the official staging location has been moved to Juniper and Wisteria.
Community Reaction
The shooting has left the local law enforcement community and residents in shock. The Volusia Sheriff’s Office extended its condolences to Jewell’s family and to the Edgewater Police Department, emphasizing the tragic loss of a respected officer and valued community member.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.