Police have arrested a man suspected of killing two people on Friday night near TPC Sawgrass, causing a two-hour delay in opening the gates for the third round of the Players Championship.
St Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick identified the suspect as Christian Barrios, who turned 32 on Saturday. The shooting occurred around 10:30pm on Friday in the car park of a Walgreens store about a mile from the course. Hardwick described it as a domestic violence situation, with Barrios shooting the victims multiple times.
Following the incident, canine units tracked Barrios onto TPC Sawgrass property. During the pursuit, the suspect picked up a PGA Tour radio and later discarded it. He then stole a black BMW and led Nassau County authorities on a chase that ended when the vehicle crashed into woodland. Barrios fled on foot but was eventually apprehended.
The PGA Tour cited 'operational considerations' for delaying the gate opening until 9am, though the third round itself began on time at 8:15am. Hospitality areas were also delayed until 11am.
Sheriff Hardwick said Barrios has a lengthy criminal record and knew the victims, both of whom died from multiple gunshot wounds at a local hospital.
