Executive Summary
- Columbia County Sheriff’s Office issued a shelter-in-place order for the SW Journey Court and CR-242 area.
- Deputies are searching for an armed 19-year-old male suspect described as wearing shorts and a dark shirt.
- Residents are advised not to engage the suspect and to call 911 immediately if he is seen.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) issued a shelter-in-place order on Saturday afternoon as deputies conducted a search for an armed individual in the area of Southwest Journey Court and County Road 242.
According to a statement released by the Sheriff’s Office on social media, the subject of the search is a 19-year-old male. He was described by authorities as wearing shorts and a dark-colored shirt. Officials noted that the individual is currently armed with a handgun.
Law enforcement has advised residents in the vicinity to remain indoors and to avoid engaging with the suspect if sighted. The Sheriff’s Office urged members of the public to immediately contact 911 to report any sightings or relevant information regarding the individual’s whereabouts.
Public Safety Alert
This shelter-in-place order indicates an active and potentially volatile situation requiring residents to exercise extreme caution. Law enforcement protocols in such scenarios prioritize establishing a secure perimeter to contain the threat while utilizing specialized units to locate the subject. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, although the immediate directive to shelter in place reflects a credible safety concern assessed by authorities.
