02/26/2026
Poinciana, Florida
⚠️ WARNING: This video contains a person running from Law Enforcement during an armed robbery.
Viewer discretion is advised.
16-Year-Old Shoplifting Suspect Killed By Security at in Poinciana, Florida
Detectives with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office have identified Jairus Eroge Jones, 16, as the teen who was shot and killed at a Walmart in Poinciana on February 19, 2026
The shooting took place around 8pm on Thursday.
Police said the deputy who fired the shot was working off-duty at the Walmart as security.
“A loss-prevention officer notified our deputy at the front of the store that there were three men inside the store who had concealed merchandise,” Christopher Blackmon said.
“The loss-prevention officer and our deputy attempted to meet those men at the front of the store.”
“However, when they approached the trio, one of them took off running with a gun in his hand.
“And with that said, our deputy fired downrange at the suspect and took him out,” Blackmon added.
The suspect "had a gun in his hand, running through the store.”
The two other suspects fled the store after the shooting. Police said the pair were identified as one juvenile and a man in his 20s, which many locals are saying that one of the individuals was Jairus’s brother. They both were located friday.
“My son Jairus, who everyone knew and loved as JJ, was a bright beautiful light in this world,’ Naporsha Jones Spruill told many local news stations.
“As his mother, I am beyond proud of the young man he was becoming. He was full of life, full of love, and full of dreams.
“Our hearts are shattered, but we want the world to remember JJ for his smile, his energy, and the love he gave so freely.”
A off-duty firefighter and another off-duty law enforcement officer were at the Walmart when the incident happened and stepped in to offer security cover in the aftermath.
Yamil Villanueva, one of the people who assisted stated
“I heard arguing and commotion,” Yamil said.
“Then he tried to pull out his gun and run,” he continued. “The gun fell. The [deputy] directed him not to pick up the gun, and leave the gun on the floor. He didn’t comply.”
“He disobeyed the lawful order.”
Yamil said he heard shots, and his corrections officer training kicked in. He had his concealed department-issued gun on him.
“I was like wow. This is really happening. I’m going to have to use my firearm to protect these people around me... to make sure nobody gets hurt,” he said.
He pulled his gun, but says he never fired it. He said he was able to get the deputy’s attention and talk to him.
“I was relieved, but I didn’t know what was going on until drew my firearm and peeped the corner,” he said. “I realized the suspect had got shot.”
He said customers and employees were running out of the exits of the store while this was going on.
“I didn’t want to make it seem like I was a threat,” he said. “I told him I’m an off-duty corrections officer. I’m an ally. He allowed me to approach.”
The investigation is ongoing. The deputy is on paid leave, which is standard protocol for the State of Florida.
