The Lake City Police Department (LCPD) arrested and charged Jakai Montez Williams, 22, on Tuesday for attempted murder, aggravated assault and attempting to flee and elude law enforcement, along with other charges.  

The arrest came after LCPD officers called off a vehicle chase through city streets due to public safety concerns, but Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies spotted the pursued vehicle shortly afterward and detained Williams. 

According to LCPD, the incident started when Williams approached a cyclist and shouted a threat from his car before getting out and firing multiple shots at the cyclist. Law enforcement was alerted about the gunshots through its FLOCK system and dispatched officers.  

LCPD officers arrived, and witnesses said they heard shots. Officers then spotted a man, later confirmed to be Williams, appearing to pick up shell casings from the road. He took off in a grey Mazda sedan and officers followed, leading to the called-off chase.  

After sheriff’s deputies detained Williams, a search on the Mazda revealed a Taurus 9mm handgun with a high-capacity magazine containing 28 rounds, a second magazine, 4.5 grams of marijuana and an open container of Mike’s Hard Lemonade. 

Shell casings from the scene matched ammunition in the Mazda, LCPD reported.  

LCPD Chief Gerald Butler said the department is grateful for support from Columbia County Sheriff Wallace Kitchings and that the FLOCK system has proven its purpose. 

“The FLOCK system continues to demonstrate its value by enabling officers to respond to gun-related incidents quickly and effectively,” Butler said in a press release. “Thanks to the rapid coordination between our officers and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, a dangerous suspect was apprehended before anyone could be seriously harmed.  

In addition to the previous charges, Williams was also charged with discharging a firearm in public, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, reckless driving and improper exhibition of a firearm.