On August 13, 2025, a Jacksonville officer-involved shooting occurred on East 25th Street, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The incident resulted in the death of 30-year-old Brian Gillis, who had a documented mental health history.

Earlier in the day, Gillis set fire to a neighbor’s home exterior wall and admitted to the arson at 6:20 a.m. After a family member contacted police requesting that Gillis be held for a mental health evaluation, officers responded along with a mental health clinician and spoke with family and neighbors. Gillis left the home shortly thereafter.

Officers then issued a radio alert with all available information, including the arson. Officer Bumgarner spotted Gillis running on East 25th Street near Buckman Street. Gillis was carrying a large knife and yelled at the officer to “Back off!” as he ran through a residential area. After dropping his Taser, Officer Bumgarner drew his JSO-issued handgun and ordered Gillis to drop the knife. When Gillis did not comply, the officer fired his gun, striking him. Gillis fell onto the sidewalk with the knife still in his hand. Other officers soon arrived on the scene and removed the knife before providing medical aid.

The State Attorney’s Office is conducting an independent review of the incident to assess the legality of the officer’s actions. Following that review, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will carry out an internal review to determine if the officer acted within department policy. All findings will then be submitted to the Sheriff for final review.

Additional details reported that pink paint was pooled on the ground beneath the paint on the wall affected by the fire.

Source: Jacksonville Sheriff

Source Type: Police

Source Location: Jacksonville

Garner, NC

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