DRUG SUSPECT SHOT IN UNDERCOVER STING

The suspect in a Jacksonville undercover drug sting was in surgery last
night after being shot by a federal agent whose gun discharged accidently,
police said.

The man, shot in the upper chest, was in critical condition, according to
police and hospital officials.

Neither the suspect nor the agent was identified last night. Jacksonville
Chief of Detectives Frank Mackesy would only say the agent involved worked
with either the FBI or the Drug Enforcement Agency.

The shooting occurred about 6 p.m. after undercover agents who were with
the suspect pulled into a dirt lane in the 3800 block of Imeson Road to
complete a marijuana deal. After a prearranged signal from the undercover
agents, a second car arrived to make the arrest.

Mackesy said the gun went off when the agent got out of the second car and
announced he was making an arrest.

Mackesy said the undercover agents included officers from the FBI, DEA and
the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.