Arrest made after gunshot in Publix restroom forces evacuation in Orange Park: CCSO
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Arrest made after gunshot in Publix restroom forces evacuation in Orange Park: CCSO

  • August 30, 2026

Clay County Sheriff’s Office responds to disturbance at Publix in Orange Park (WJXT)

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A 19-year-old has been arrested after a gunshot fired inside the restroom of an Orange Park Publix forced the store to be evacuated on Friday.

Witnesses reported several men running out of the restroom at the time, and investigators have since learned that the people involved knew each other, met up in the restroom and got into a fight.

That’s when a gun fired by accident, but no one was hurt.

Deputies say 19-year-old Zion Jay Simmons has been charged with robbery in connection with the incident.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office first alerted the community about increased law enforcement activity near 410 Blanding Blvd. Deputies told News4JAX the disturbance led to the evacuation around 8 p.m.

Clay County Sheriff’s Office responds to disturbance at Publix in Orange Park (WJXT)

Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.

About the AuthorChris Will headshot

Chris Will has joined the News4JAX team as a weekend morning reporter, after graduating from the University of Florida in spring 2024. During his time in Gainesville, he covered a wide range of stories across the Sunshine State. His coverage of Hurricane Ian in southwest Florida earned a National Edward R. Murrow Award.

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