Lake City man accused of shooting into crowd after 'altercation' at Easter event
Share and Follow


LCPD said the 25-year-old man was released from prison the day before the shooting that wounded a police officer. More arrests are expected.

LAKE CITY, Fla. — A Lake City man has been accused of shooting into a crowd during an Easter celebration Sunday, the Lake City Police Department announced Friday.

Justin Le’on Claridy, 25, was arrested on aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon charges. Claridy was released from prison on Saturday after serving a four-year, seven-month sentence for aggravated battery on a pregnant victim, records show.

LCPD said more arrests are expected. Three people were interviewed after the shooting and taken into custody.

Around 8:06 p.m. Sunday, officers and Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies were providing crowd control at a community Easter Celebration held at the Annie Mattox Recreation Center. An altercation broke out Sunday between several people during the annual celebration that usually draws a crowd of several thousand attendees, police said.

As officers and deputies attempted to intervene, gunfire erupted, police said, though the officers and deputies did not fire their service weapons.

Lake City Police Department officer Marcus Hardison was struck in the right arm and released from the hospital Thursday. LCPD did not state Hardison was specifically wounded by Claridy.

“Throughout the week, detectives have diligently pursued numerous leads and reviewed hours of surveillance footage,” an LCPD release said.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Lake City Police Department at 386-752-4343, or report information anonymously through the LCPD TIPS line at 386-719-2068 or Crime Stoppers of Columbia County at 386-754-7099.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Gov. Greg Abbott officially names Texarkana as Film Friendly

“Texarkana Designated as Film Friendly by Gov. Greg Abbott”

TEXARKANA, Tx. (KTAL/KMSS) – Texarkana will now join more than 200 Film…
Air France-KLM to take majority stake in Scandinavian airline SAS

Air France-KLM to acquire a larger portion of Scandinavian airline SAS

Air France-KLM intends to raise its ownership in the Scandinavian carrier SAS…
North Westside Jacksonville shooting leaves man dead

Shooting Incident on Lancashire Drive Results in 2 People Injured

The two people shot are females in their late-teens, according to the…
Mother 'grateful' after daughters rescued from Camp Mystic flooding

Relieved Mom Thanks Rescuers for Saving Daughters from Camp Mystic Floods

() As the search continues for more missing girls from Camp Mystic…
Russia accused of increased use of chemical weapons in Ukraine: Dutch and German officials

Accusations against Russia for heightened use of chemical weapons in Ukraine by Dutch and German authorities

Intelligence agencies from the Netherlands and Germany have found proof of extensive…
Day of mourning before Diogo Jota's funeral: Star's family see coffin

Diogo Jota’s Family Witnesses Coffin at Day of Mourning Before Funeral

Diogo Jota’s heartbroken wife and parents have gathered at a wake and…
NYC temporarily shuts down Queens beaches after sharks swim dangerously close to Fourth of July crowd

NYC temporarily shuts down Queens beaches after sharks swim dangerously close to Fourth of July crowd

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Several sharks were spotted…
Texas 4-year-old was left in hot van after field trip: Affidavit

Affidavit states that after a field trip, a Texas child of 4 years was forgotten inside a hot van.

()A probable cause affidavit obtained by affiliate KVEO revealed new details in…