The Lake City Police Department (LCPD) arrested Nicklous Hightower, 39, on Wednesday afternoon for discharging a firearm inside his room at the Baymont Inn and Suites (3598 W US Highway 90). 

Law enforcement charged Hightower, a Lake City resident at 648 SW Amberwood Loop Apt.102, with firing a weapon on public/residential property and property damage. No bond has been set. 

Staff at the Baymont Inn and Suits contacted law enforcement after Hightower had checked out. Staff noticed him walking to his vehicle with a firearm. Housekeeping staff later found shell casings in the Hightower’s room and bullet holes in the wall, according to the LCPD press release. The damage was estimated at over $2,000. 

The press release said security footage showed Hightower appearing agitated during check out and carrying a rifle. 

Officers located Hightower while he was driving to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center. The press release reports that Hightower claimed snakes had been planted in his vehicle, waived his Miranda rights and said he had fired the guns at perceived threats inside his hotel room.  

Officers found ammunition and a loaded AR-15-style rifle that were collected as evidence. Hightower was arrested and taken to the Columbia County Detention Center. 

“This case underscores the importance of quickly reporting suspicious behavior,” LCPD Chief of Police Gerald Butler said in the press release. “Thanks to the swift action of hotel staff and responding officers, no one was harmed, and a potentially dangerous situation was safely resolved.”