J.C. Derrick
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is holding a Lake City man on more than $1 million bond in connection with a shooting last month.
According to the sheriff’s office warrant affidavit, Joshua Bell Farmer, 27, allegedly shot an unnamed victim on the evening of April 25. Following a brief altercation at a gas station, Farmer followed another vehicle and shot the man while both were driving on U.S. Highway 90 near I-75, the affidavit said.
The victim was struck in the buttocks and transported to UF Health Shands for treatment. Multiple shots also hit the black Jeep the victim was was traveling in, resulting in a flat tire and shattered window, among other damage.
Initial efforts to locate the suspect were unsuccessful, but the sheriff’s office said a week-long investigation led up to his apprehension at the Best Western Plus near the scene of the shooting.
According to a sheriff’s office press release, deputies took Farmer into custody without incident, although he had a loaded gun on the floorboard of his vehicle when they removed him from the driver’s seat.
“Incidents like this serve as a reminder of the dangers law enforcement face each day,” Sheriff Mark Hunter said in a statement. “I am extremely proud of our deputies for their commitment to keep our community safe from violent individuals.”
Farmer is in the Columbia County Detention Facility on a $1.05 million bond. He’s facing an attempted murder charge, plus numerous weapons charges since he is a convicted felon and not legally permitted to carry a firearm.