UFC bantamweight fighter Ramon Taveras narrowly escaped a potentially fatal drive-by shooting in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, as he was leaving his mother's house. Taveras took to social media to share a video captured by a security camera, showcasing the harrowing incident that unfolded on Monday, July 29, 2024.

In the video footage, Taveras can be seen walking towards his vehicle when a car on the nearby street suddenly opens fire multiple times, prompting him to quickly take cover behind his car. The assailants then sped away, leading Taveras to counter by drawing his own firearm and returning fire.

Expressing his relief at surviving the targeted attack unscathed, Taveras shared his frustrations with the lack of action taken by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO). In his social media post, Taveras revealed that his brother was also a victim of gun violence two years ago, and his killers are yet to be apprehended.

Taveras claims that despite his efforts to convey his innocence and explain that he has distanced himself from a troubled past, the JSO has failed to thoroughly investigate the incident. He believes that they have unfairly labeled him as being involved in gang violence or bringing the incident upon himself.

Voicing his concerns for his family's safety, Taveras expressed fear for his children's well-being, as they were almost left without a father in their lives. The traumatic incident has caused him to reevaluate his perspective on life and the safety of his loved ones.

Furthermore, Taveras has vowed not to remain silent, using this incident as an opportunity to shed light on the inefficiency of the JSO in addressing the ongoing violence in less fortunate areas of the city. He hopes to rally support in spreading awareness about the need for justice and safety for all residents of Jacksonville.

The MMA Fighting publication reached out to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office but received no immediate response regarding the incident.

Taveras, who joined the UFC in 2023 after participating in the Contender Series, has had a tumultuous journey in his career. Despite missing weight in his first appearance, he managed to secure a spot in the UFC with a quick finish in his second outing.

Having made his UFC debut in January, Taveras faced challenges with weight once again but came out victorious in a split decision. Unfortunately, an injury forced him to withdraw from his scheduled fight against Caolan Loughran at UFC 304.

As Taveras reflects on the terrifying drive-by shooting, he has made the difficult decision to leave his beloved city of Jacksonville due to the ongoing safety concerns. While grateful for his survival, he hopes to use his platform to initiate change and ensure a safer community for all residents.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by individuals and families in high-crime areas, and highlights the urgent need for effective law enforcement actions to address this persistent issue.