Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Justin Laquan Courtney, 27, was arrested early yesterday morning after “hastily leaving” an area where a male was shot in the back.
At about 2:40 a.m. on December 8, Gainesville Police Department officers heard several gunshots near the 1000 block of W. University Avenue; officers quickly responded to the area and reportedly saw Courtney driving away from the area in a white Nissan.
An officer saw the Nissan traveling north on NW 9th Terrace and blocked the roadway with a patrol vehicle while commanding Courtney to stop; Courtney allegedly drove around the patrol vehicle on the sidewalk. A second attempt was made at a traffic stop, but Courtney allegedly continued driving away.
An officer reportedly drove into the Nissan’s path, causing a collision. The officer reported that Courtney made “several furtive movements” in his lap and seat area after the Nissan stopped, and then Courtney allegedly got out of the car and ran while officers commanded him to stop running and show his hands. Courtney was apprehended after a brief foot chase.