A swift response to a FLOCK gunshot detection alert and subsequent collaboration between the Lake City Police Department and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the arrest of a suspect following a shooting incident on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
At approximately 2:27 P.M., Lake City Police officers were dispatched to the area of NW Railroad Street after the FLOCK system registered gunshots. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing five to six shots and saw a small, brown vehicle speeding away.
A responding officer observed a black male, later identified as 22-year-old Jakai Montez Williams of Lake City, near a grey Mazda sedan, appearing to collect shell casings from the road. Upon seeing law enforcement, Williams entered the Mazda and fled. Officers initiated a traffic stop, but Williams evaded capture, driving erratically through city streets. Due to safety concerns, the pursuit was terminated, and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office was notified.
Columbia County deputies located the suspect vehicle a short time later and apprehended Williams near SW Linden Loop after a brief pursuit.
The investigation revealed that Williams had allegedly approached a cyclist, issued a threat, exited his vehicle, and discharged multiple rounds in the cyclist’s direction before fleeing the scene. The victim was unharmed and subsequently positively identified Williams and the vehicle involved.
A search of Williams’ vehicle yielded a Taurus 9mm handgun with a high-capacity magazine containing 28 rounds, a second magazine, 4.5 grams of marijuana, and an open container of Mike’s Hard Lemonade. Five spent shell casings recovered at the shooting scene matched the ammunition found in the vehicle.
Williams reportedly invoked his Fifth Amendment right and declined to speak with officers. He was arrested and transported to the Columbia County Detention Center.
Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler praised the technology and teamwork involved in the apprehension. “The FLOCK system continues to demonstrate its value by enabling officers to respond to gun-related incidents quickly and effectively,” Chief Butler stated. “Thanks to the rapid coordination between our officers and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, a dangerous suspect was apprehended before anyone could be seriously harmed. We are grateful for the partnership and support from Sheriff Kitchings and his staff in ensuring public safety.”
Anyone with information, contact the Lake City Police Department at 386-752-4343.
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