Lake City man accused of shooting into crowd after 'altercation' at Easter event
Share this @internewscast.com

LCPD said the 25-year-old man was released from prison the day before the shooting that wounded a police officer. More arrests are expected.

LAKE CITY, Fla. — Authorities have reported that a Lake City man is facing charges after allegedly opening fire on a crowd during an Easter event on Sunday, as announced by the Lake City Police Department on Friday.

Justin Le’on Claridy, 25, has been taken into custody on charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to records, Claridy was released from prison on Saturday following a four-year, seven-month sentence for aggravated battery on a pregnant victim.

On Thursday, the police department made public a surveillance video showing an individual seemingly discharging a firearm as a crowd fled from the celebration. On Friday, authorities identified Claridy as the individual in the video.

LCPD said more arrests are expected. Three people were interviewed after the shooting and taken into custody.

Around 8:06 p.m. Sunday, officers and Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies were providing crowd control at a community Easter Celebration held at the Annie Mattox Recreation Center. An altercation broke out Sunday between several people during the annual celebration that usually draws a crowd of several thousand attendees, police said.

As officers and deputies attempted to intervene, gunfire erupted, police said, though the officers and deputies did not fire their service weapons.

Lake City Police Department officer Marcus Hardison was struck in the right arm and released from the hospital Thursday. LCPD did not state Hardison was specifically wounded by Claridy.

“Throughout the week, detectives have diligently pursued numerous leads and reviewed hours of surveillance footage,” an LCPD release said.

Anyone with additional information 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.


Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Britain announces sweeping asylum policy shift to cut protections for refugees

UK Unveils Major Changes to Asylum Policies, Reducing Refugee Protections

Significant reforms are on the horizon for Great Britain’s asylum policies, signaling…
Charlotte, North Carolina immigration enforcement surge begins, officials say; agents seen making arrests in multiple locations

Immigration Crackdown Intensifies in Charlotte: Increased Enforcement Leads to Multiple Arrests Across the City

In Charlotte, North Carolina, a significant increase in immigration enforcement operations has…
Readers sound off on the shutdown deal, rescued green space and labor negotiations

Voices Heard: Public Reactions to Government Shutdown Deal, Revived Green Spaces, and Labor Talks

The Dems’ secret strategy to the shutdown deal In Pasadena, California, the…
Wrigley Field college football game: Zvada's 31-yard field goal as time expires lifts No. 18 Michigan over Northwestern 24-22

Michigan Triumphs Over Northwestern 24-22 with Zvada’s Last-Second 31-Yard Field Goal at Wrigley Field

CHICAGO — With the clock ticking down, Dominic Zvada clinched victory for…
Federal immigration enforcement sweeps Charlotte months after Ukrainian refugee killing shocked nation

Charlotte Faces Renewed Immigration Crackdown Following National Outcry Over Ukrainian Refugee Tragedy

On Saturday, federal agents conducted a significant immigration enforcement operation in Charlotte,…
One person dead in Roosevelt Island building fire, 3 firefighters injured

Tragic Roosevelt Island Fire Claims One Life, Injures Three Brave Firefighters

Tragedy struck Roosevelt Island on Saturday evening when a fire claimed the…
Palatka woman sentenced to 50 years after pleading no contest to stabbing boyfriend to death

Palatka Woman Receives 50-Year Sentence Following No Contest Plea in Boyfriend’s Fatal Stabbing

State Attorney R.J. Larizza remarked that Tykidra Leonard showed no remorse for…
Canadian spy chief warns of alarming rise in teen terror suspects, 'potentially lethal' threats by Iran

Canadian Spy Chief Sounds Alarm: Surge in Teen Terror Suspects and Iran’s ‘Lethal’ Threats

During an unusual public address on Thursday, Daniel Rogers, the head of…
3 Brooks Middle School employees fired over alleged misconduct, Valley View Community Unit School District 365-U says

Kwame Koranteng Faces Charges for Alleged Attempted Sexual Assault in Hinsdale and Multiple Incidents in Downers Grove, Darien

A Willowbrook resident is facing serious charges after allegedly attempting to sexually…
Canada to open Greenland consulate after Trump’s push to acquire island

Canada Strengthens Arctic Ties with New Greenland Consulate Following U.S. Interest in Island Acquisition

OTTAWA: Canada is poised to establish a consulate in Nuuk, the capital…
Top Ukrainian officials in Zelenskyy government submit resignations amid $100 million corruption scandal

High-Ranking Officials in Zelenskyy Administration Resign Following $100 Million Corruption Allegations

In a significant shake-up within the Ukrainian government, two high-ranking officials have…
Report: More Than 70 % Palisades Fire Victims Still in Temporary Housing

Over 70% of Palisades Fire Survivors Struggle with Temporary Housing

According to a recent report, over 70% of individuals impacted by January’s…