PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — According to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, one man is in critical condition and another is in custody following a shooting at a motel on Christmas Eve.
The sheriff's office said around 11 p.m. Tuesday, deputies responded to the Jo El Motel off of Tamiami Trail, just south of Punta Gorda in reference to a shooting.
Watch Fox 4's Alex Orenczuk report on the Christmas Eve shooting:
While there, deputies found a man who had been shot in the stomach and was lying on the ground. CCSO said deputies identified 20-year-old Ilyjah J. Madison as a suspect, who was found on the scene with a loaded hand gun.
According to the sheriff's office, Madison arrived at the motel with a woman, and waited outside as she met with the victim.
CCSO said Madison and the victim began to argue which escalated physically when the victim entered Madison's vehicle. The two fought to the ground, where Madison allegedly shot the victim with a single round, according to the sheriff's office.
Madison faces aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and possession of a concealed firearm (under the age of 21) charges. The victim is in critical condition.
“Here we are again with another violent and unnecessary incident – and at Christmastime, no less. I can’t understand how people resort to this behavior instead of talking out their issue or walking away when that isn’t possible. Instead, someone is in jail, and someone else is in the hospital fighting for his life. Multiple families are affected, their holidays are ruined, and our community is tired of it all. Let us all pray for peace.”
Original reporting:
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting overnight in the area of 11603 Tamiami Trail, at the Jo El Motel. The call came around 11pm Tuesday night.
Deputies say the scene remains active, but all parties are accounted for, and the public is not in danger.
Fox 4 is on scene will bring you more on air and online as we learn more.
