Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
A suspect involved in a shooting in Gadsden County that resulted in the deaths of two individuals was shot and killed following an early morning standoff in Live Oak.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers head out after the suspect was shot and killed.
The incident began around 3:25 a.m. when the Florida Highway Patrol alerted local law enforcement that a license plate reader had detected a vehicle belonging to a homicide suspect traveling east just west of Suwannee County. It was reported that the suspect had shot four people in Gadsden County, killing two. At 3:31 a.m., the Florida Department of Agricultural Law Enforcement (FDALE) engaged in a high-speed chase after the suspect refused to pull over during a high-risk stop.
The pursuit ended around 3:49 a.m. in Live Oak, near the Wayne Frier mobile home park on U.S. Highway 90, after the suspect crashed his vehicle. Following the crash, the suspect exited the vehicle and engaged law enforcement on foot, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
Law enforcement officers patrol the area.
During the altercation, a deputy from the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) was shot in the foot and in his ballistic vest. Chief Deputy Buddy Williams confirmed that the deputy would be okay. At approximately 3:53 a.m., the suspect fired at a Live Oak Police Department (LOPD) officer, who was not injured. Shortly after, the suspect began shooting at law enforcement from a nearby tree line.
As of 9:30 a.m., the SCSO confirmed via social media that the suspect was deceased. Officials have not released further details regarding how the suspect was located and killed but have assured that all officers involved were safe. The agency further expressed gratitude for the mutual aid received from regional law enforcement agencies.
Riverbend News will provide updates as more information becomes available.
The identity of the suspect has not been made public at this time.
Suwannee County Emergency Management Director Chris Volz (left), Steven Khachigan from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office (center), and Chief Deputy Buddy Williams with the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office gather for a debrief.