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2 dead after shooting close to The Players PGA Tour at TPC Sawgrass as suspect fled to course
Spectator were delayed entry to The Players Championship ahead of the third round at TPC Sawgrass after two people were killed in a shooting close to the course.
According to reports, St. Johns County Sheriff's Office confirmed that two people were killed in a shooting at a Walgreens parking lot less than a mile from TPC Sawgrass at around 10.30PM on Friday night.
Local authorities said the suspect was tracked onto the course by canine units, with the Palm Beach Post reporting that they had been captured.
The outlet said the suspect was named as 32-year-old Christian Joseph Barrios, who had at one stage entered the Tour property and encountered employees at the tournament site while fleeing from police.
Barrios was captured early March 14 in Nassau County, near the Florida-Georgia border, with the Sheriff's office saying he has an extensive criminal history with over 20 arrests.
Authorities stated that the shooting was domestic in nature, with both victims known to the suspect.
As a result of the hunt, spectators were held back from entering, with the PGA Tour saying in a statement: "Due to operational considerations, gates for today's third round will now open at 9AM ET.
"We have worked closely with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office and appreciate the coordination and partnership from Sheriff Rob Hardwick and his team.
"Please note, tee times will remain as previously scheduled, and all on-course hospitality venues will open at 11AM ET."
The third round started at 8.15AM as scheduled, with Seamus Power first out.