A chaotic car chase through Lake City ended with a 23-year-old man in handcuffs and at least one person in the hospital after what officers are calling a "drive-by style" shooting. Police say the pursuit wrapped up near NW Bascom Norris Drive and NW Oakland Avenue, where investigators later found shell casings and vehicle debris scattered around the scene. One person with gunshot injuries was taken to HCA North Florida Hospital for treatment, and officers say the suspected shooter is now in custody.
According to First Coast News, officers identified the suspect as 23-year-old Jamal Waters and arrested him on an attempted second-degree murder while armed charge. The outlet reports that the driver of a Ford Mustang chased a Toyota Tundra before someone inside the Mustang fired multiple rounds in what police described as a "drive-by style" shooting.
Where police say it happened
Per the Lake City Police Department, officers were first alerted by a Flock gunshot-detection notification, then responded to the intersection of NW Bascom Norris Drive and NW Oakland Avenue. Detectives processed the area and collected shell casings and vehicle debris as they worked to piece together the order of events.
Charges and next steps
Waters was booked following his arrest and faces charges that include attempted second-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm by a person under 24 with a prior qualifying delinquency, according to First Coast News. Police Chief Gerald Butler told reporters the department intends to hold those responsible accountable as detectives continue to investigate.
Why this matters
The Lake City Police Department uses Flock Safety's Raven gunshot-detection units to help locate and respond to shots-fired incidents, a deployment documented by the Atlas of Surveillance. The arrest also comes as city leaders tighten security around public gatherings after last year's Easter shooting at Annie Mattox Park, which led to new traffic and safety rules. WCJB reported on those changes earlier this month.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Lake City Police Department's non-emergency line at (386) 752-4343 or submit tips through the department's channels. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Columbia County at 386-754-7099, per the department.
