A man has been arrested and is facing charges after a motel shooting in Punta Gorda late Christmas Eve.
According to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, at 11:00 p.m., deputies responded to a call that someone had been shot outside of the Jo El Motel on Tamiami Trail.
Upon arrival, deputies located one male who had been shot in the torso lying on the ground.
With assistance from officers with the Punta Gorda Police Department, they located the suspect, Ilyjah Madison, 20, who was in possession of a loaded semiautomatic pistol.
CCSO says throughout the investigation, detectives learned that Madison and the victim were having a physical fight when the shooting occurred.
“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." says Sheriff Bill Prummell. "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."
Madison was arrested and is facing charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and possession of a concealed firearm under the age of 21.
CCSO says the victim is in critical condition at the time of the release.
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