LAKE CITY, FL – The Lake City Police Department is investigating a shooting incident after a man arrived at HCA Florida Lake City Hospital with a gunshot wound early Sunday morning. However, the victim and a witness have provided conflicting accounts, and the victim is refusing to cooperate with authorities.
At approximately 1:37 A.M. on Sunday, July 20, 2025, officers responded to the hospital at 340 NW Commerce Drive. The individual reported being shot while attending a block party near NW Long Street and NW Virginia Terrace.
Officers canvassed the alleged shooting location but were unable to find any physical evidence, including shell casings, to corroborate the reported site of the incident. During the investigation, officers also interviewed a witness who stated the victim called him for help after the shooting. The witness reported picking up the victim on NW Alma Avenue and transporting him to the hospital after a stop for fuel. Authorities noted that the statements provided by both the victim and the witness conflicted regarding the events and location of the shooting. Furthermore, the FLOCK gunshot detection system did not register any alerts in the reported incident area during the specified timeframe.
Attempts to gather additional information from the victim proved unsuccessful, as he refused to cooperate, declined to provide suspect details, and chose not to pursue criminal charges.
Chief of Police Gerald Butler emphasized the importance of victim cooperation in investigations. “Our officers are committed to thoroughly investigating every violent crime. However, cooperation from victims is essential to holding offenders accountable and ensuring community safety. We encourage anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward.”
Anyone with information regarding this or any other crime is encouraged to contact the Lake City Police Department at (386) 752-4343 or report information anonymously through the LCPD TIPS line at (386) 719-2068 or Crime Stoppers of Columbia County at (386) 754-7099.
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