Authorities in northeast Florida launched an extensive overnight manhunt after a deadly shooting left two people dead and briefly disrupted one of golf’s biggest events, The Players Championship, near the famed course at TPC Sawgrass.
Investigators say the violence unfolded late Friday night in the parking lot of a Walgreens, roughly a mile from the tournament venue. According to officials, 32-year-old suspect Christian Barrios allegedly opened fire during what authorities believe was a domestic-related dispute involving two people he knew.
Both victims were shot multiple times and rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite emergency treatment, they later died from their injuries.
Following the shooting, authorities say Barrios fled the scene on foot and entered the grounds of TPC Sawgrass, prompting immediate safety concerns because the area was preparing to host spectators and players for the weekend rounds of The Players Championship.
As law enforcement officers began searching the property, the suspect reportedly encountered tournament staff and took a communications radio before continuing to flee. The incident triggered a large multi-agency response as officers tried to locate him.
Due to the ongoing search operation, event organizers adjusted Saturday’s schedule. Officials delayed opening the public gates and postponed hospitality access while authorities secured the surrounding area.
The manhunt intensified when investigators say Barrios stole a black BMW and sped away, leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit north of the golf course.
The chase ultimately ended about an hour away in Nassau County, Florida, where officers forced the vehicle off the road into a wooded area. Authorities say the suspect then tried to escape on foot but was captured around 9 a.m. Saturday.
With the suspect in custody and the venue cleared, tournament organizers resumed normal operations for the weekend at The Players Championship.
Barrios is now being held without bond on two counts of first-degree murder. Prosecutors have also filed additional charges, including grand theft auto, shooting into a vehicle, and burglary of an occupied home while being a convicted felon in possession of a weapon.
Court records indicate that although the murder charges do not allow bail, his bond was set at $200,000 for the burglary charge and $100,000 for each of the other counts.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the two victims as the investigation continues.
