On Sunday, August 17, 2025, at approximately 11:01 a.m., Lake City Police officers were dispatched to the area of SE McRay Avenue and SE Camp Street after reports of a man appearing intoxicated and bleeding from the head.
Officers located the victim walking along SE Baya Drive with severe head lacerations and injuries consistent with being struck by a blunt object. Columbia County Emergency Medical Services transported the man to a local hospital for treatment.
The investigation determined the assault occurred at a residence located at 620 Putnam Street. Witnesses reported that a guest staying at the home admitted to striking the victim. A crime scene was identified in the backyard, where officers recovered a bloodied pipe and a tarp heavily stained with blood.
The suspect, identified as 51-year-old Daniel Joseph Hildreth, Jr., was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Columbia County Detention Center and charged with Attempted First Degree Murder.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Lake City Police Department at (386) 752-4343. Anonymous tips can be reported to the LCPD TIPS line at (386) 719-2068 or Crime Stoppers of Columbia County at (386) 754-7099.
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