LAKE CITY, Fla. — A man was taken into custody Tuesday after investigators identified him as the suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred in Lake City earlier in the day.
According to the Lake City Police Department, officers responded at approximately 10:52 a.m. on June 23 to the area of Northwest Albright Place following reports of a person who had been shot.
When officers arrived, they found an adult Black male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives with the Lake City Police Department responded and assumed control of the investigation.
Multiple agencies assisted with the case, including the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crime Scene Unit, the Office of the State Attorney for the Third Judicial Circuit, and the Florida Department of Corrections K-9 Unit, which assisted in tracking efforts.
As the investigation progressed, detectives identified 25-year-old Willie Kyedell Thomas of Hempstead, Florida, as the suspect.
Investigators quickly developed information regarding Thomas’ whereabouts and coordinated efforts to take him into custody.
Authorities said Thomas refused commands from law enforcement officers and was ultimately apprehended after a police K-9 was deployed.
Thomas was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Following his release, investigators said he will be interviewed and booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility.
Police said criminal charges are forthcoming.
The identity of the victim has not been released pending additional investigative steps and notification requirements.
Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler credited both law enforcement agencies and community members for helping investigators quickly identify and locate the suspect.
“I want to thank the men and women of the Lake City Police Department for their outstanding work and extend my sincere appreciation to our law enforcement partners who assisted throughout this investigation,” Butler said. “The information provided by members of our community played a significant role in helping investigators quickly develop leads and locate the suspect.”
Authorities continue to process evidence, conduct interviews, and coordinate with prosecutors as the investigation remains active.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to contact Detective Amanda Pepin at 386-752-4343. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Lake City Police Department Tips Line at 386-719-2068 or Crime Stoppers of Columbia County at 386-754-7099.