A 22-year-old Lawrence man is in custody this morning after police believe he shot another man Wednesday night while inside a car at Casey’s General Store, 1703 W. 6th Street. Police believe seven people were in a car when the suspect was allegedly recklessly handling a gun and discharged it, striking the 23-year-old victim. At least some members of the group then drove with the victim to the hospital and remained. Others did not and hospital staff notified LPD about 11pm.
Police did not find the car at the hospital nor all seven people when they arrived. Police since learned the car was likely headed to Eudora. Eudora Police quickly found the car near 13th and Cherry Street with only the driver inside.
The investigation led officers to the suspect’s home in the 1100 block of W. 29th Terrace. Officers monitored the home and were able to safely arrest the suspect about 2am. Investigators also recovered the firearm allegedly used in the shooting.
Police booked the suspect into Douglas County Correctional Facility and will forward the case to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration. The victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.
