Lake City standoff leads to attempted murder suspect’s arrest

Prison jail bars
De An Sun/Unsplash

A five-hour standoff with a Lake City man who allegedly shot two people ended with the suspect’s arrest on Saturday night.

According to a Lake City Police Department (LCPD) release, law enforcement arrested Samuel Brooks Smith, 40, for two counts of attempted homicide.

The incident started around 8:05 p.m. on Saturday when LCPD officers responded to the report of a shooting at 369 NW Wilson St.

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Upon arrival, officers discovered a victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the stomach and, after EMTs arrived to transport the victim to a nearby trauma unit and while conducting the initial investigation, officers found a second victim also injured by gunfire.

The shooter had retreated inside the residence and officers established a perimeter around the house while requesting assistance from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

Samuel Brooks Smith
Courtesy of LCPD Samuel Brooks Smith

The SWAT team’s hostage negotiator initiated contact with the suspect and identified him as Smith, who resided at the residence. Smith continued aggressive behavior during the standoff, including firing shots from inside the house at officers.

After five hours, Smith was taken into custody without further incident and transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. He was then booked into the Columbia County Detention Center.

 “This successful resolution underscores the unwavering commitment of our local law enforcement agencies to work together to protect and serve the community,” said Lake City Chief of Police Gerald Butler in the press release. “We extend our gratitude to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Law Enforcement Division, Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, Lake City Fire Department, Columbia County Fire Department, and Century Ambulance for their assistance.”

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