ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA, Fla. — A shocking act of violence has claimed the life of off-duty Edgewater police officer David Jewell, 45, at a Circle K gas station on Ocean Shore Boulevard Tuesday afternoon. Authorities confirmed that the suspect, Eduardo Felipe Labrada Machado, 24, is in custody as the investigation into the fatal shooting continues.
Horrific Shooting Caught on Surveillance
According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred at approximately 4:08 p.m. when Jewell entered the Circle K at Ocean Shore Boulevard and Wisteria Drive. Surveillance footage shows Machado, an employee at the store, leaving briefly to retrieve a jacket from his car before returning and shooting Jewell multiple times in the head, killing him instantly.
Investigators believe Jewell and Machado knew each other, though the motive for the attack remains under investigation. A second Circle K employee was initially detained but has been identified as a witness assisting law enforcement.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood described the surveillance footage as “unbelievable,” noting the brutality of the attack. “The video is probably something that in 38 years of law enforcement, that I can tell you—it’s unbelievable what you see in that video,” Chitwood said during a press briefing.
Honoring the Victim
Acting Edgewater Police Chief Charles Geiger spoke about the loss of a trusted colleague and friend. “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,” Geiger said.
David Jewell dedicated his life to law enforcement. Before joining the Edgewater Police Department, he served as a Telecommunicator with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, earning the respect of colleagues for his professionalism, reliability, and commitment to public safety.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have closed Ocean Shore Boulevard from Briggs to San Jose Drive while investigators process the crime scene. The Volusia Sheriff’s Office has also updated the media staging area to Juniper and Wisteria.
Law enforcement officials continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine the full circumstances of the shooting. The public is urged to avoid the area and report any relevant information to law enforcement.
Community Shock and Condolences
The fatal shooting has left the local community and law enforcement colleagues in shock. Sheriff Chitwood and the Volusia Sheriff’s Office extended condolences to Jewell’s family and the Edgewater Police Department, describing the tragedy as a tremendous loss to the community.
Jewell is remembered not only as a skilled officer but as a person known for his dependability, integrity, and dedication to helping others. His passing is mourned across the region, highlighting the dangers officers face even when off duty.
Leave a Reply