Two Dead, Two Officers Injured in Shooting at Gainesville Hardware Store

A deadly shooting at a Gainesville hardware store Wednesday morning left two people dead and two police officers injured, according to authorities. The incident prompted a large law enforcement response and remains under active investigation.

According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and Gainesville Police Department, officers were dispatched around 8:00 a.m. on January 14, 2026, after reports of shots fired at Imeca Lumber & Hardware, located in the 1300 block of East University Avenue.

When officers arrived, they found one person dead from a gunshot wound inside the business, Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya confirmed during a news conference.

Authorities say the suspected shooter attempted to flee the scene in a vehicle but was quickly stopped by police nearby. After exiting the vehicle, the suspect allegedly opened fire on responding officers, striking two Gainesville Police Department officers.

Another officer returned fire, fatally shooting the suspect, police said.

The two wounded officers were transported to UF Health Shands Hospital, where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries and were reported to be in stable condition Wednesday afternoon.

The identities of the victims and the suspect have not yet been released.

Law enforcement officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Multiple agencies are now involved in the investigation, including internal affairs and outside agencies, as is standard in officer-involved shootings.

Investigators are working to determine:

• The motive behind the initial shooting
• Whether the victims were employees, customers, or otherwise connected to the business
• The sequence of events leading to the officer-involved shooting

Additional information is expected as the investigation continues.

Violent incidents at businesses can raise complex legal questions, particularly when they involve third-party acts of violence. Depending on the circumstances, issues that may arise include:

• Workplace security and safety measures
• Prior threats or warning signs
• Premises liability considerations
• Wrongful death claims for surviving family members
• Workers’ compensation and third-party liability

Each case depends heavily on the facts, and independent investigations are often necessary to determine whether preventable factors contributed to the tragedy.

Supporting Families After Tragic and Violent Losses

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones due to violent and preventable incidents across Florida. We understand the emotional devastation these events cause and the importance of accountability and answers.

Our firm intentionally maintains a small caseload, allowing families to work directly with experienced attorneys who handle every aspect of the case, including:

• Independent investigations
• Coordination with law enforcement findings
• Review of security policies and prior incidents
• Identification of all potential avenues for compensation

Families pay nothing upfront. We only recover fees if we recover compensation.

If your family has been affected by a fatal shooting or violent incident, you do not have to navigate this process alone.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We represent families throughout Alachua County, Gainesville, and across Florida.