A Jacksonville teenager suffered a gunshot wound during a violent robbery Wednesday morning but didn’t realize he’d been shot until returning to the hospital eight and a half hours after his initial treatment and discharge.

Robbery Turns Violent on Dunn Avenue

The victim told Jacksonville police he accepted a ride from four strangers while on Dunn Avenue. Once inside the vehicle, the situation turned dangerous as the occupants drove off and began beating him. The attackers pistol-whipped the teenager and stole his wallet before leaving him injured. Police received the initial call around 10:20 a.m. Wednesday, responding to reports of an armed robbery in the 1500 block of Vantage Way South, according to the department’s news release.

Emergency responders transported the teenager to a local hospital where medical staff treated his facial injuries. Doctors examined and released him, apparently missing a critical detail during the initial evaluation. The victim showed visible signs of the attack on his face, which likely drew the primary focus of the medical examination at that time.

Shocking Discovery Hours Later

At approximately 6:50 p.m. the same day, officers returned to the same hospital for another call involving the robbery victim. The teenager had discovered a gunshot wound to his upper right thigh, requiring immediate medical attention. Police confirmed the wound occurred during the early morning attack but went completely unreported by the victim initially. Hospital staff also failed to detect the gunshot injury during the first examination, raising questions about the thoroughness of the initial medical assessment.

Investigation Continues

Jacksonville police are investigating how four strangers convinced the teenager to accept their ride and searching for the suspects responsible for the armed robbery and shooting. The department has not released descriptions of the attackers or vehicle details. Authorities are working to determine whether the teenager was specifically targeted or randomly selected as a victim. The case highlights the dangers of accepting rides from unknown individuals and the importance of comprehensive medical examinations following violent attacks. Police encourage anyone with information about the incident to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.