PUNTA GORDA, Florida — 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 a press release from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.Deputies responded to a call around 11:00 p.m. on December 24, 2024, reporting a shooting outside the Jo El Motel located at 11603 Tamiami Trail. Upon arrival, they found a man 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 located on the scene 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 the victim in his room. When the victim discovered Madison’s presence, he confronted him in the parking lot, leading to a physical altercation. The victim reportedly entered the vehicle Madison was in, and the fight continued outside, culminating in Madison firing a single shot that struck the victim.Sheriff Bill Prummell commented on 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. Multiple families are affected, their holidays are ruined, and our community is tired of it all. Let us all pray for peace.”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.