Lt. Mark Joost, Madison Police Department
Contributor
At approximately 11:36 p.m., on Wednesday, Sept. 10, Cpl. Joshua Akins and Ptl. Frederick Korey of the Madison Police Department (MPD) were dispatched to Hilltop Apartments, located on Safari Drive in Madison, in reference to a shooting. Preliminary investigation revealed that an unidentified individual called the Madison County Sheriff’s Office communications center to report that his “homeboy” was shot in the stomach. Cpl. Akins and Ptl. Korey arrived at the scene moments later and were informed that the victim, Michael Pride, 16, had already been transported to the Madison County Memorial Hospital emergency room. Ptl. Korey maintained custody of the scene, photographed the scene, located and collected evidence, and conducted preliminary interviews while Cpl. Akins proceeded to the emergency room. While medical personnel provided critical care, Cpl. Akins attempted to interview the juvenile victim. The victim could not provide any information at that time.
Nurse Practitioner Cindy Porter informed Cpl. Akins that the victim had sustained a single gunshot wound to his lower abdominal area. Cpl. Akins observed an entry wound to the victim’s abdomen and an apparent exit wound to his lower back. Det. Lt. William Sircy was notified and responded to the emergency room to join the investigation. The decision was made to airlift the victim to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, so Lt. Sircy proceeded there to continue the investigation.
Witnesses disclosed information that appeared to indicate that the shooting may have been related to an earlier dice gambling game where an individual was recklessly brandishing a handgun. An individual has been identified as a potential suspect. Other investigative leads, evidence analysis, and additional interviews are being pursued as the investigation continues.
The latest information available is that the victim is in stable, but critical condition.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Lt. William Sircy or the MPD at (850) 973-5077.