LCPD
A Lake City man was arrested on attempted murder charged after three people were shot early Sunday morning at an event lounge.
When officers arrived at Encore, 555 N. Marion Ave., around 1 a.m. Sunday, they found three people with gunshot wounds near the rear of the venue on NE Railroad Street, according to a Lake City Police Department release.
The release states that two of the victims were transported to a local hospital while one was airlifted to a trauma center.
According to the release, the shooting occurred across the street in a parking lot. Officers located several fired shell casings, and identified multiple areas of blood evidence.
During the investigation, 34-year-old Davario Watkins was identified as the suspect.
At approximately 3:45 A.M., a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputy located Watkins’ red Nissan pickup truck at Pleasant Point Apartments, located at 153 NW County Road 25A.
Watkins was detained a short time later.
Watkins is charged with attempted murder, two counts of aggravated battery and leaving the scene of a crash.
“This was a violent incident that placed several lives at risk,” Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler said in the release. “I commend our officers, deputies, fire personnel, and EMS crews for their quick response and immediate lifesaving efforts. Our detectives will continue working to ensure the facts are fully developed and the person responsible is held accountable.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing.