JCSO press release

The TIMES received the following press release via the JCSO:On Sunday, May 2nd, 2021 at approximately 2:45 p.m. the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a BOLO from the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office regarding a shooting that had occurred at the rest area on I-10 near Ponce De Leon. A vehicle and suspect description was distributed and a local address for the suspect near Cottondale was included. Several Officers responded to the area and the suspect vehicle was observed, by a JCSO Investigator, entering the driveway of his home. As Officers descended on the residence, the Sheriff’s Office dispatch received a call from a relative of the suspect stating that he wished to turn himself in. When Officers arrived, the suspect did surrender peacefully and was taken into custody without incident. Thanks to the cooperation of the family and surrounding community, this situation was brought to a safe conclusion. Initial reports indicate that one of the victims passed away as a result of the shooting and another is being treated for a gunshot wound, but is expected to survive. Sheriff Donnie Edenfield would like to thank everyone who assisted in this apprehension, including the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Cottondale Police Department, the U.S. Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force, and the dedicated men and women of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.At the time of this release, names of the suspect and victims are not being released pending notification of next of kin, and specific charges are still being determined as the evidence is examined and witness statements are obtained. IN CUSTODY: Latorish Gardner(48) Marianna, FL. Gardner has been transferred to Holmes County Jail following first appearances before Judge Wade Mercer Monday morning. For more information, contact the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office at 850 547-3681.