Man charged with attempted homicide after shooting and hours-long standoff in Lake City

LAKE CITY, Florida. – A man was arrested and charged with attempted homicide following a shooting that turned into an hours-long standoff Saturday evening, according to the Lake City Police Department.

Police said they responded to a report of a shooting around 8 p.m., at a home on NW Wilson Street. When police arrived, they found a victim who had been shot in the stomach. After providing first aid, paramedics arrived and took the victim to a nearby trauma unit.

While assisting this victim and conducting initial investigations, officers found a second victim who had also suffered a gunshot wound.

Officers said they then became aware the suspect was inside the home, so they set up a security perimeter around it and requested assistance from the County Sheriff's Office SWAT team. Columbia County.

Once the SWAT team arrived, a hostage negotiator began communicating with the suspect, identified as Brooks Samuel Smith, 40, who lived at that home.

Police say Smith fired shots from inside the home and through windows at the officers. But police said officers and deputies “maintained their composure and professionalism throughout this ordeal.”

After a five-hour standoff, police were able to arrest Smith without further incident.

Smith was taken to a local hospital for a medical evaluation and then booked into the Columbia County Detention Center.

“These men and women demonstrated courage and dedication in the face of danger, while ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens,” said Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter. “Our hearts go out to the victims as they receive medical care and support during this difficult time.”

Smith is charged with two counts of attempted homicide.