LAKE CITY, Fla. – A man was arrested and charged with attempted homicide following a shooting that turned into an hours-long standoff Saturday night, according to the Lake City Police Department.
Police said they responded to a report of a shooting around 8 p.m., at a home on NW Wilson Street. When they arrived, police found a victim who had been shot in the stomach. After rendering first aid, EMTs arrived and took the victim to a nearby trauma unit.
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While they were helping that victim and conducting initial investigations, officers found a second victim who had also been shot and injured.
Officers said they then became aware that the suspect was inside the home, so they established a secure perimeter around it and requested assistance from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team.
Once the SWAT team arrived, a hostage negotiator started communicating with the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Brooks Samuel Smith, who lived at that house.
According to police, Smith fired shots from inside the home and through the windows at officers. But police said the officers and deputies “maintained composure and professionalism throughout the ordeal.”
After a five-hour standoff, police were able to arrest Smith without further incident.
Smith was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation and then he was booked into the Columbia County Detention Center.
“These men and women showed courage and dedication in the face of danger, while ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens,” stated Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter. “Our thoughts are with the victims as they receive medical care and support during this challenging time.”
Smith is being charged with two counts of attempted homicide.