Lake City, Florida, January 4, 2026
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has lifted the shelter-in-place order for the Southwest Journey Court and County Road 242 area after a shooting investigation that resulted in two fatalities. Authorities report that the suspect, a 19-year-old male, was found deceased a few hours later in the woods near the crime scene. The community is no longer in danger, but the investigation continues. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity.
Lake City, Florida
Columbia County Sheriff’s Office lifts shelter-in-place order in Southwest Journey Court and CR-242 area
Lake City, Florida – The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has lifted a shelter-in-place order in the Southwest Journey Court and County Road 242 area following a shooting investigation that resulted in two fatalities. Deputies responded to reports of a shooting on Saturday evening, leading to the establishment of a perimeter and the issuance of a shelter-in-place order for residents in the vicinity. The suspect, a 19-year-old male, was found deceased in the woods near the crime scene a few hours later. Authorities have confirmed that there is no longer any danger to the community, and the investigation is ongoing. Residents are advised to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
Details of the Incident
On Saturday, January 3, 2026, at approximately 5 p.m., deputies responded to reports of a shooting in the Southwest Journey Court and County Road 242 area. Upon arrival, they discovered one individual deceased in a nearby home. A 19-year-old male, described as wearing short shorts, a cut-off shirt over another shirt, and believed to be armed with a 9 mm weapon with an extended magazine, was identified as a suspect. He was not wearing shoes. Residents in the area were advised to shelter in place as law enforcement agencies, including the Lake City Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Corrections, Florida Wildlife Commission, and Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, assisted in the search. The suspect was located deceased in the woods near the crime scene hours later.
Community Safety Measures
Authorities have confirmed that there is no longer any danger to the community. The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, and residents are encouraged to resume normal activities. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and urges anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at (386) 719-2005.
Background Information
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is committed to safeguarding the community with integrity and reliability. The department collaborates with various law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and respond effectively to incidents within the county. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to report any suspicious activity to local authorities.
Weather Conditions
As of Sunday, January 4, 2026, the weather in Lake City, Florida, is mostly cloudy with a temperature of 54°F (12°C). The forecast for the upcoming days is as follows:
- Sunday, January 4: Partly to mostly sunny, cooler and less humid, High: 63°F (17°C), Low: 48°F (9°C)
- Monday, January 5: Warm with plenty of sun, High: 73°F (23°C), Low: 50°F (10°C)
- Tuesday, January 6: Partly sunny and warm, High: 76°F (24°C), Low: 60°F (15°C)
- Wednesday, January 7: Very warm with times of clouds and sun, High: 78°F (26°C), Low: 59°F (15°C)
- Thursday, January 8: Very warm with times of clouds and sun, High: 79°F (26°C), Low: 56°F (13°C)
- Friday, January 9: Partly sunny and warm, High: 78°F (25°C), Low: 57°F (14°C)
- Saturday, January 10: A morning thundershower; otherwise, remaining warm with variable cloudiness, High: 75°F (24°C), Low: 54°F (12°C)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the reason for the shelter-in-place order in Lake City, Florida?
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office issued a shelter-in-place order in the Southwest Journey Court and County Road 242 area following a shooting investigation that resulted in two fatalities. Deputies responded to reports of a shooting on Saturday evening, leading to the establishment of a perimeter and the issuance of the shelter-in-place order for residents in the vicinity. The suspect, a 19-year-old male, was found deceased in the woods near the crime scene a few hours later. Authorities have confirmed that there is no longer any danger to the community, and the investigation is ongoing. Residents are advised to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
What should residents do now that the shelter-in-place order has been lifted?
Authorities have confirmed that there is no longer any danger to the community. The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, and residents are encouraged to resume normal activities. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and urges anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at (386) 719-2005.
How can residents stay informed about public safety in Columbia County?
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is committed to safeguarding the community with integrity and reliability. The department collaborates with various law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and respond effectively to incidents within the county. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to report any suspicious activity to local authorities.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Southwest Journey Court and County Road 242 area, Lake City, Florida |
| Incident | Shooting investigation resulting in two fatalities |
| Suspect Description | 19-year-old male, wearing short shorts, a cut-off shirt over another shirt, believed to be armed with a 9 mm weapon with an extended magazine, not wearing shoes |
| Law Enforcement Response | Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Lake City Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Corrections, Florida Wildlife Commission, Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office |
| Outcome | Suspect found deceased in the woods near the crime scene; shelter-in-place order lifted; no further danger to the community |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; residents encouraged to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement |
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