A police search for a homicide suspect early Saturday led authorities to TPC Sawgrass, home of this week. Players Championshiptournament officials delayed opening the gates to fans until 9 a.m. ET.
According to News4Jaxa double homicide was committed nearby in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., and police tracked the prime suspect to TPC Sawgrass property.
Police said the suspect stole a BMW and fled to the northeastern tip of the state where he crashed the vehicle into the woods and fled on foot, but was eventually caught and is now in custody.
Here’s what you need to know.
Police hunted for murder suspect at TPC Sawgrass before Saturday’s round
Early Saturday morning, The Players Championship official X accrefill posted a message saying fans will have to wait longer than expected to get through the gates on Saturday morning.
The announcement said the delay was due to “operational” considerations.
“Due to operational considerations, gates for today’s third round will now open at 9 a.m. ET. Meeting times will remain as previously scheduled and all hospitality venues on the course will open at 11 a.m. ET.”
Police statements shed more light on the delay.
According to JaxNews4police said two people were shot and killed in a Walgreens parking lot on the corner of Palm Valley Road in Ponte Vedra Friday night. Police responded to “multiple 911 calls” reporting the shooting around 10:30 PM ET.
The suspect reportedly fled the scene at nearby TPC Sawgrass, where the Players Championship is being played this week.
St. Louis County Sheriff Johns Rob Hardwick said News4Jax “Investigators identified a suspect early in the investigation as Christian Barrios, 32, and canine units tracked him to the PGA Tour property at TPC Sawgrass.”
Authorities also told News4Jax that the suspect “made contact with PGA staff, took a radio and may have touched other items before leaving the area.”
After a delay, the gates officially opened to fans at 9am on Saturday. Later Saturday morning, police said the suspect was arrested at 8 a.m. ET in Nassau County.
This story will be updated when more information becomes available.
