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Press release from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – On Monday, January 8, 2024, Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the La Quinta Inn at 908 NW 69th Terrace regarding a well-being check. Upon arrival, hotel management advised they had not seen the occupant of a room since Saturday, January 6. Management also stated that they were unable to access the room because the deadbolt was securing the door.
After numerous attempts to get the occupant to open the door by knocking and announcing themselves, deputies requested assistance from Alachua County Fire Rescue to force entry into the room. Deputies cleared the room and located an empty gun holster on the bed. They then noticed the bathroom door was locked. Since the deputies were unable to find the occupant and in order to confirm their well-being, deputies forced open the bathroom door after giving numerous verbal announcements. After forced entry, deputies found the suspect armed with a handgun, who refused to drop the weapon and obey their commands. The suspect suffered a gunshot wound, based on their actions and refusal to obey commands. Deputies immediately rendered first aid and the suspect was transported with life threatening injuries to an area hospital. No deputies were injured.
Based on ACSO officer-involved shooting policies, the investigation into the events and timeline that led to it will be conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The ACSO Office of Professional Standards will conduct an investigation into whether the policies of the Sheriff’s Office were followed. The deputy(s) involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the parallel investigations.
No additional details will be provided at this time.
