HAMILTON COUNTY, Fla. — A suspect was shot by a deputy Saturday after authorities say he posed a lethal threat during a search in the Jennings area.
On February 21, 2026, deputies with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for service at a residence in Jennings. Upon arrival, deputies learned a male subject had fled into a nearby wooded area and was possibly armed with a firearm.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office was called in to assist with locating and safely apprehending the individual. During the search, officials said the suspect presented a lethal threat toward deputies, prompting one deputy to discharge their firearm.
Deputies immediately rendered first aid until Hamilton County EMS arrived. The suspect was airlifted to a hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have not released the individual’s condition.
No deputies were injured during the incident.
In accordance with standard procedure for deputy-involved shootings, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will conduct an independent investigation.