Columbia County sheriff's officials say Davario T. Watkins is still locked up in the Columbia County Detention Facility after a shooting on NW Railroad Street that sent three people to the hospital early Sunday. An online records hiccup briefly showed the 34-year-old as released, prompting confusion that county officials moved quickly to fix. Prosecutors have already filed charges, and investigators are still processing evidence and talking with witnesses.
According to News4Jax, Lake City police say officers were called to the Encore Lounge and Event Hall around 12:54 a.m. on Sunday, April 26, and found multiple gunshot victims in the parking lot across the street. One victim was airlifted to a trauma center. Detectives recovered shell casings and documented several areas of blood evidence while the Criminal Investigations Division worked the scene.
Sheriff's Office Corrects Records
Local TV station WCJB reported that Columbia County's online court system briefly showed Watkins as having been released. County officials later said those entries were inaccurate or incomplete and confirmed the suspect never left custody. The Columbia County Sheriff's Office followed up with a Facebook post that clarified Watkins is in custody at the Columbia County Detention Facility and aimed to put the rumors to rest.
Arrest, Charges and Police Response
Lake City police identified 34-year-old Davario Watkins as the suspect, and a Columbia County deputy later spotted his red Nissan pickup at Pleasant Point Apartments, 153 NW County Road 25A. He was detained there around 3:45 a.m., according to Action News Jax. Prosecutors have charged Watkins with attempted murder, two counts of aggravated battery and leaving the scene of a crash. "This was a violent incident that placed several lives at risk," Chief Gerald Butler said, according to the station.
How to Help
Anyone who saw what happened or has information is asked to contact the Lake City Police Department at (386) 752-4343, the LCPD TIPS line at (386) 719-2068 or Crime Stoppers of Columbia County at (386) 754-7099, as noted by News4Jax. Officials also thanked the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Lake City Fire Department and EMS crews for their fast response at the scene.
Legal Notes
Prosecutors filed the aggravated battery and hit-and-run charges Monday, and officials say the State Attorney's Office has set Watkins' bond at $1.3 million, according to WCJB. More court filings and hearing dates are expected as detectives and prosecutors continue gathering evidence.
The investigation remains active. County officials say their recent Facebook update is the latest formal correction on Watkins' custody status and will serve as the main hub for future updates.
