Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
On Friday, Feb. 7, multiple agencies across North Florida united in a manhunt for a suspect who allegedly killed two individuals at a Gadsden County gas station the previous day. During the manhunt, the suspect also shot two other patrons at the gas station, a Suwannee County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) deputy, and attempted to shoot a Live Oak Police Department (LOPD) officer. He was eventually located near Suwannee Valley Pine Straw on Houston Avenue, where law enforcement officers shot and killed him.
As the investigation is ongoing, the agencies involved have been quiet regarding details other than the incident in question. However, the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office has identified the suspect as 44-year-old Dominic Caroway, a resident of Arizona. The victims of the shooting have been identified as Laura Darley, an employee at the Mobil Gas Station and Food Mart, and Julian Green, who worked for a beverage distribution company that supplies the store.
SCSO Deputy Justin Dalton was also injured while trying to apprehend the suspect along with other law enforcement officers. He was shot in the foot and his agency-issued ballistic vest. According to SCSO Chief Deputy Buddy Williams, Dalton is recovering well, but it will take some time before he can return to duty.
"Our deputy was protected by his ballistic vest, suffering only a gunshot wound to his foot and a shot to his vest panel," SCSO Sgt. Wayne Kelly explained. "It was a center mass shot that would have caused immediate incapacitation had he not been wearing a ballistic vest."
The events began on Thursday, Feb. 6, shortly before midnight, when Caroway opened fire at the Mobil Gas Station and Food Mart on Pat Thomas Highway in Shiloh. He allegedly shot Darley and Green, walked outside, and fired at two people in the parking lot before fleeing the gas station.
At approximately 3:25 a.m., the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) alerted law enforcement in Suwannee County to a license plate reader identifying the suspect's vehicle west of the county. This prompted the FHP and the Florida Department of Agricultural Law Enforcement (FDALE) to pursue Caroway after he ignored a traffic stop. SCSO deputies also engaged him when he crossed into Suwannee County.
At approximately 3:49 a.m., the pursuit continued along U.S. Highway 90 until Caroway crashed the sports utility vehicle he was driving just east of Wayne Frier Home Center. When he exited the vehicle, he opened fire on law enforcement officers, injuring Deputy Dalton. The officers returned fire, but Caroway fled on foot.
After fleeing the scene, he encountered an unidentified LOPD officer who was inside their vehicle. Caroway fired at the officer but did not hit them. He then proceeded to run into a wooded area, where he continued to shoot at law enforcement before disappearing from view.
The suspect remained at large for over five hours while assistance arrived from neighboring counties, including the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Dixie County Sheriff's Office, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and other agencies. A perimeter was established north of U.S. Highway 90 West and east of 129th Road to facilitate the search. Additionally, 2nd Street, west of Lime Avenue, was closed.
As the search intensified, the established perimeter and surrounding areas were put on lockdown. The SCSO urged residents in the vicinity to stay inside, lock their doors, and ensure their children did not wait for the school bus. The Suwannee County School District also went under lockdown during the search.
At approximately 8:30 a.m., officers with the LOPD responded to a call about a suspicious person roughly two miles from the crash scene on Houston Avenue. They encountered Caroway at a location near Suwannee Valley Pine Straw, where he again opened fire on the officers. This time, the officers returned fire, killing him. Caroway's body was taken to the Medical Examiner's Office in Tallahassee, where an autopsy was conducted.
At the request of the LOPD, FDLE is actively investigating the officer-involved shooting, as is standard procedure.
Caroway was identified using a biometric scan through the Automated Fingerprint Identification System, facial recognition and a query of the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division's database.
"The monster got what he deserved after taking the lives of innocent people and injuring three others," Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young stated on social media. "This type of criminal behavior has to stop, and with the help of federal, state and local law enforcement partners, it will be stopped."
"While FDLE continues to investigate this incident and specific details remain undisclosed, I want to recognize every man and woman wearing a badge or affiliated with law enforcement who contributed to this effort," SCSO Sgt. Kelly said. "Your work is truly commendable. Thank you all for being heroes. Your communities and agencies are incredibly grateful and are proud to have you protecting them and representing them. To the victims in West Florida, their families and friends, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Senseless acts of violence like this leave us all with so many questions at times and no answers. We pray that you all find comfort and peace as you navigate through this horrible time."
