Players Championship: Two killed in parking lot near TPC Sawgrass, tournament opening delayed

Three hours after the end of the second round of the Players Championship on Friday, Two people shot dead in parking lot Not far from TPC Sawgrass. The suspect in the shooting briefly fled onto PGA Tour property and then fled the area in a stolen car. The investigation of the incident caused the opening of the gates for Saturday’s tour to be postponed.

St. Johns County (Fla.) Sheriff Rob Hardwick said at a briefing early Saturday morning that the two people who were shot died at a nearby hospital. The suspect fled onto PGA Tour property, confronted several employees, and then hijacked a BMW. He continued to flee and fled on foot when nearby Nassau County police disabled the vehicle. According to local news, the suspect was taken into custody early Saturday morning.

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Hardwick stated that the crime was a domestic crime and that the suspect, whom Hardwick identified as Christian Joseph Barrios, knew both victims. Local media reports indicate that: Barrios, 32, has a lengthy criminal history with at least 27 arrests. Barrios is currently out of prison on parole.

The incident occurred at a Walgreens not far from the golf course, and local dispatchers were notified that multiple shots were fired.

“Due to operational considerations, gates for today’s third round will now open at 9 a.m.,” the PGA Tour said in a statement. “We have worked closely with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and appreciate the coordination and partnership of Sheriff Rob Hardwick and his staff. Please note that start times will remain as previously scheduled and all hospitality venues on the course will open at 11 a.m.”