A 19-year-old is injured following an early morning shooting in DeFuniak Springs and one man is behind bars.
Walton County Sheriff’s Office responded to Passion Flower Street after dispatch received a text to 911 stating, “send ambulance, police, person shot.”
When deputies arrived they discovered a 19-year-old lying on the couch of the living room, holding pressure on a gunshot wound to the chest.
Walton County Fire Rescue responded and quickly began treating the victim and all other parties were removed from the residence.
Others inside the residence told deputies they were all asleep when they heard a noise and when they went to investigate, they found the victim shot.
Investigators and Crime Scene Technicians responded to the scene and the victim was transported to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center.
After further investigation, Shakeem Malik Thomas, 23, was developed as a suspect. Thomas was living in the home, and had been released from prison on June 15th after serving five years for armed robbery.
Thomas was arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and felon in possession of a firearm.
At this time, Thomas’ motive is unknown. The investigation is still ongoing. He was transported and booked into the Walton County Jail and is awaiting first appearance.
