LAKE CITY, Fla. – An armed man critically injured himself Tuesday after deputies and police officers responded to reports of an active shooting at a Lake City restaurant, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Lake City Police Department responded on July 21 to El Potro Mexican Restaurant on U.S. Highway 90 following reports of an active shooting.
When officers arrived, they heard gunfire coming from the restaurant’s parking lot and moved toward the sound.
Authorities said they encountered an armed man and repeatedly ordered him to drop his weapon. Instead, the man raised the firearm and shot himself.
Deputies secured the scene and immediately provided first aid until paramedics arrived. The man was transported to a local hospital with severe injuries.
The sheriff’s office said no law enforcement officers were injured during the incident, and none of the responding deputies or officers discharged their firearms.
Investigators are working to determine what occurred before law enforcement arrived at the scene. Authorities said there is no known ongoing threat to the public.
Anyone with information about the incident, including what led up to the shooting or who witnessed the events at the restaurant, is asked to contact the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 386-752-3222 during normal business hours or the Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at 386-719-2005 at any time.
Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Columbia County at 386-754-7099.