At least four suspects are on the loose after two robbery shootings in Lake City. Police say the shootings occurred early Monday morning, a block apart, and within an hour of each other. Two men were shot during the robberies and are recovering as detectives try to track down the suspects before they shoot again.
Police say the two robberies had multiple similarities. In the first, the suspects demanded money. The second, drugs. In both cases, a victim was shot. Now, police are investigating why the two victims were targeted and if they're related.
The preacher at Northside Church of Christ, Dr. I.C. Spivey, says he doesn't agree with the violence, but understands the bad economy is affecting people's behavior.
Spivey says; "it does bother me but at the same time I use that as a mechanism to sharpen my wits as to what to do about it."
Officer Steve Shaw says two shootings this close in time and distance, isn't a coincidence. Shaw says; "it may not be out of the ordinary once everything comes to light."
Shaw says around 11:30 Sunday evening, three black men wearing red hats and shirts approached A home in Lake City pointing a gun at a man and woman demanding cash. The victim gave all his money, but was still shot in his left arm, before the men ran away.
In a second shooting around the corner, Shaw says an argument broke out at the Cedar Park Apartments, this time over drugs. Again, involving multiple suspects.
Lake City Police are following leads, no suspects have been caught. The shootings occurred in Northern Lake City where police are currently working "Operation Northend," an effort to combat a drug problem.