Who is Christian Barrios the man linked to the deadly shooting near the PGA Tour Players Championship before the arrest

Fear spread near the The Players Championship in Florida after a gunman shot two people late Friday night and then ran toward the nearby golf course. Police later identified the suspect as Christian Barrios, a 32-year-old man with a long criminal history.

Authorities say the shooting happened around 10:30 p.m. in the parking lot of a Walgreens store close to TPC Sawgrass, where the PGA Tour event was taking place. According to Rob Hardwick, Barrios allegedly shot two people several times during what investigators described as a domestic violence situation. Both victims were rushed to the hospital but later died from their injuries. Officials have not released their names yet.

After the shooting, Christian Barrios ran from the area and moved toward the golf property, which led police to launch a large search across Northeast Florida. Even though the incident did not take place directly on the course, it caused concern around the tournament area early Saturday morning. Law enforcement agencies searched through the night before finally locating the suspect hours later. Barrios was arrested Saturday morning in Nassau County, roughly an hour north of the tournament site.

St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick explains how suspect Christian Barrios fled the area after the shooting near TPC Sawgrass

Sheriff Rob Hardwick told reporters that police dogs followed Barrios’ trail after the shooting and tracked him toward the golf course property.“We know he made contact with some employees in there,” Hardwick said while speaking to reporters.Hardwick explained that investigators believe Barrios picked up a PGA Tour radio during his escape.“He picked up what we believe was a radio that belonged to the PGA Tour,” Hardwick said.

“It was not one of our radios. We know he dropped it later and our canines used it as a scent when they came in there.”Authorities say the suspect then stole a black BMW and drove north before police in Nassau County began chasing the vehicle. Officers eventually forced the car off the road, where it crashed into the woods. Barrios tried to escape on foot but was soon caught and taken into custody.Sheriff Hardwick also revealed that Barrios has 27 previous arrests on his record.

He added that the suspect knew the victims.“His criminal history is embarrassing. It makes me sick to my stomach,” Hardwick said. “[Barrios] is out of prison again on probation, committing another violent felony.”Police also said Barrios had been arrested in 2023 for an alleged vehicle theft, according to online records. Hardwick noted that the suspect’s mother cooperated with investigators during the search.Although no players or fans at the tournament were harmed, the situation still affected the event. Officials delayed opening spectator gates for Saturday’s third round of play at the Players Championship. The PGA Tour said the delay was due to “operational considerations.”The round itself still began on schedule at 8:15 a.m., but hospitality areas opened later at 11 a.m. Authorities continue investigating the case while the tournament proceeds under normal security.