Local

Toddler found safe, guarded by his dog all the way

Buddy the dog lived up to his name Tuesday afternoon, when the canine was found guarding his toddler friend, who was reported missing earlier that day.  Tuesday afternoon, The Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call made by a “frantic mother,” the agency posted on Facebook.

Still no word if Phelps will remain as interim

Interim Third Circuit State Attorney Dave Phelps, who was appointed after the abrupt resignation of former State Attorney Jeff Siegmeister amid a federal investigation, says the governor’s office has not yet announced who will occupy the office between now and the next election.

2nd multiple shooting reported in 4 days

For the second time in four days, Lake City police officers responded to the scene of a shooting and discovered multiple people with gunshot wounds. Around 6:51 p.m.

Man turns self in after gunshots

A woman woke up to a stranger biting her neck early Tuesday morning, just before gunshots were heard in the immediate area. The suspect fled on foot, but later turned himself in after learning police were looking for him. Around 3:22 a.m.

Fireworks foreseen over jail proposal

The county jail could end up being placed under new management, if a push to transfer oversight of the facility goes through — though it’s expected to be a tough political battle.  The sheriff manages the jail, but county commissioners are ultimately responsible for the facility.

Child porn charges land local in jail

A Lake City man was arrested Tuesday on 10 counts of possessing child pornography.  Agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested 33-year-old Jarod Dustin Rice after executing a search warrant at his apartment on Southeast Sundial Place.

Shooting victim ID’d, released from hospital

The identity of one of the two victims injured in a shooting last week has been confirmed, while the investigation continues.  Around 1:15 p.m. Friday, the Lake City Police Department responded to shots fired near the intersection of Northeast Escambia Street and Northeast Calhoun Avenue.

Carjacking victim OK; suspect on the loose

A woman survived a late-night carjacking over the weekend, but the gunman evaded capture, according to the Lake City Police Department.  The armed assailant approached the victim in the Lake City Walmart parking lot Saturday night and forced her to drive him to a second location, police say.

Child abuse charged over Valentine’s rage: Cops

Multiple children were put in harm’s way when a male household member fired a gun outside, just five feet away from the section of the house where they were cowering during a domestic disturbance, according to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office report.  Kerry L.

Attack on elderly alleged

Two people, one of them over the age of 65, were attacked by an out-of-control house guest Saturday night, Columbia County deputies say.