Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Justin Laquan Courtney, 27, was arrested early yesterday morning after “hastily leaving” an area where a male was shot in the back.

At about 2:40 a.m. on December 8, Gainesville Police Department officers heard several gunshots near the 1000 block of W. University Avenue; officers quickly responded to the area and reportedly saw Courtney driving away from the area in a white Nissan.

An officer saw the Nissan traveling north on NW 9th Terrace and blocked the roadway with a patrol vehicle while commanding Courtney to stop; Courtney allegedly drove around the patrol vehicle on the sidewalk. A second attempt was made at a traffic stop, but Courtney allegedly continued driving away.

An officer reportedly drove into the Nissan’s path, causing a collision. The officer reported that Courtney made “several furtive movements” in his lap and seat area after the Nissan stopped, and then Courtney allegedly got out of the car and ran while officers commanded him to stop running and show his hands. Courtney was apprehended after a brief foot chase.

A search of the vehicle reportedly produced a fully loaded 9mm handgun between the driver’s seat and the center console.

Courtney reportedly stated spontaneously that someone shot at him, so he quickly left the area in his car. He said he ran from officers because he was scared and reportedly admitted that he knew his license was suspended.

Post Miranda, Courtney reportedly admitted that he saw officers’ lights and sirens but did not know they were trying to pull him over.

During the investigation of this incident, a male victim arrived at Shands with a life-threatening gunshot wound to his back and forearm; officers determined that the man was shot during the above incident.

According to the arrest report, the investigation is continuing, and additional charges are pending.

Courtney has been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, fleeing law enforcement, resisting an officer without violence, and driving with a suspended license. He has five felony convictions (none violent) and five misdemeanor convictions (one violent). He is on probation in Alachua County for grand theft of a motor vehicle and dealing in stolen property, and the same charges have been filed against him in Marion County. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $240,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.