A 39-year-old Lake City man was arrested Wednesday afternoon after discharging a firearm inside his room at the Baymont Inn and Suites, causing significant property damage.
On May 28, 2025, at approximately 2:23 p.m., officers from the Lake City Police Department responded to the hotel at 3598 W US Highway 90 following a report of gunfire-related damage. Hotel staff told officers that a male guest, identified as Nicklous Emanuel Lamont Hightower, had checked out earlier that day and was seen walking to his vehicle with a firearm.
Housekeeping staff later entered the room and found spent shell casings on the floor, visible bullet holes in the wall, and various damaged items. Damage to the room was estimated at more than $2,000.
Surveillance footage reviewed by officers showed Hightower carrying a rifle and appearing agitated while checking out. Officers later located him driving to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center, where he claimed snakes had been planted in his vehicle.
Hightower waived his Miranda rights and admitted to firing his weapon at perceived threats inside the room. A consensual search of his vehicle led to the discovery of ammunition and a loaded AR-15-style rifle, both of which were placed into evidence.
Hightower was arrested without incident and booked into the Columbia County Detention Center.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Lake City Police Department at (386) 752-4343 or report tips anonymously via the LCPD TIPS line at (386) 719-2068 or Crime Stoppers of Columbia County at (386) 754-7099.
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