PUNTA GORDA, Florida ( MyFloridaNews ) — A man has been arrested following a shooting incident at the Jo El Motel in Punta Gorda on Christmas Eve. The altercation left one man critically injured, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.Deputies responded to a call at approximately 11:00 p.m. on December 24, 2024, at the Jo El Motel located at 11603 Tamiami Trail. Upon arrival, they found a male victim with a gunshot wound to the stomach/torso area lying on the ground. The scene was secured with assistance from a Punta Gorda Police officer, and the alleged shooter, identified as 20-year-old Ilyjah J. Madison, was found in possession of a loaded semiautomatic pistol.The investigation by the CCSO Major Crimes Unit revealed that Madison had accompanied a female to the motel and waited outside while she met with the victim in his room. The victim confronted Madison in the parking lot, leading to an argument that escalated into a physical altercation. The fight moved to the ground, where Madison allegedly fired a single shot, striking the victim.Sheriff Bill Prummell expressed his dismay over the incident, stating, “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. Instead, someone is in jail, and someone else is in the hospital fighting for his life.”Madison was cooperative with the investigation and was arrested on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and possession of a concealed firearm under the age of 21. He is currently held at the Charlotte County Jail. The victim remains in critical condition, according to the press release.