News Summary
A man has been arrested after two separate shooting incidents in Florence left one person injured. Roderick Watkins, 24, has been charged with reckless endangerment. Following the shootings, police quickly identified and located Watkins, who had a handgun in his vehicle. The police department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding these incidents and is urging the community to report any suspicious activities that could assist in enhancing public safety.
Florence – A man has been arrested following an overnight shooting that left one person injured in Florence on Thursday evening. The shooting took place on Commander Street, specifically in the 800 block, although initial details about the extent of injuries were not clear. Florence Police Captain Stephen Starling confirmed the investigation and mentioned that there were “two possible victims” involved in the incident.
Late on Thursday, Florence police were alerted to a second shooting scenario, this one occurring downtown on Court Street around 12:40 a.m. on Sunday. Officers responding to this second scene found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to his ankle. The police were able to quickly gather information from witnesses, which led to the identification of Roderick Watkins, 24, as a suspect in both shooting incidents.
With vital information from the public, officers located and detained Watkins shortly after the incident. Witnesses had provided descriptions of his vehicle, enabling a swift police response. Officers called Watkins out of his vehicle without further complications during the arrest process. A handgun was discovered inside his vehicle, linking him directly to the actions that caused the injury.
Watkins has since been charged with reckless endangerment. Following his arrest, he was transferred to the Lauderdale County Detention Center. However, he was released on bond later that same day, before the weekend’s close.
The Florence Police Department is continuing to investigate the incidents, gathering all necessary details and attempting to determine the full circumstances surrounding both shootings. As inquiries are ongoing, law enforcement officials have reached out to the community for any further information that might assist in the case.
This series of events highlights a concerning trend in public safety within the Florence area. Gun violence incidents have drawn attention to the importance of community vigilance and the role that citizens play in assisting law enforcement to bring about swift resolutions to ongoing issues. Witnesses from the area responded quickly, making it vital for the police to efficiently handle the arrests and subsequent investigations.
Authorities continue to emphasize the significance of reporting suspicious activities, which aids police efforts in addressing violent crimes effectively. Officers are also reinforcing community programs in hopes of reducing firearms-related incidents in the future.
As this case develops, more updates are expected to emerge from the Florence Police Department. The condition of the shooting victim has not been disclosed, but authorities are requesting that anyone with additional information come forward to aid the investigation and promote public safety.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE News
- Wikipedia: Florence, Alabama
- WHNT News
- Google Search: Florence shooting
- WMBF News
- Google Scholar: Florence police shooting
- AL.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun violence
- WAFF News
- Google News: Florence shooting updates
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
