Crime
Suspect and victim killed in East University Avenue shooting identified
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Gainesville Police Department Chief Nelson Moya has identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a lumber store employee and wounding two officers during a confrontation Wednesday morning.
During a Gainesville City Commission meeting on Thursday, Chief Moya confirmed the shooter as Justin Dewayne Long, 31, of the 300 block of County Road 234.
According to police, the incident began shortly before 8:00 a.m. at Imeca Lumber & Hardware, located at 1201 East University Avenue.
Investigators said Long parked his vehicle at a nearby KFC before entering the business, where he allegedly opened fire.
Eduardo Pardo Rodriguez, 23, an employee of the store, was struck and later pronounced dead.
Chief Moya told commissioners that authorities have found no apparent connection between the suspect and the business or the victim.
“Sadly, we are learning that there is very little to no connection to the business,” Moya said. “In fact, we are quickly learning that there is the appearance of an onset of a mental health issue here, and that the victim, who was tragically selected, appears to have been chosen at random.”
Gainesville police officers responding to reports of gunfire observed Long attempting to flee the area in a vehicle.
As officers moved to stop him, officials say Long exited the car and began firing at police.
Two additional officers arrived to assist, and a gunfight ensued.
Long was struck during the exchange and transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Two Gainesville police officers were wounded in the confrontation and were taken to UF Health Shands Hospital for treatment and evaluation.
Both officers were released later Wednesday afternoon.
Chief Moya reiterated that the investigation remains ongoing and emphasized the department’s commitment to determining the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the suspect’s actions prior to the incident.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, the employees affected by this tragedy, and the officers who put themselves in harm’s way,” Moya said.
Crime
14-Year-Old Middleton High School Student Carson Chrapkowski Dies After Bicycle Crash, Driver Alyssa Anderson Arrested
MIDDLETON, Idaho — A 14-year-old Middleton High School student has died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near the high school Friday night, according to the Middleton Police Department.
The teenager was transported by Life Flight to St. Luke’s Boise following the crash but died from his injuries early Saturday morning.
Middleton police said the crash involved a vehicle and a bicyclist near Middleton High School. The 14-year-old suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Boise hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Police announced Saturday morning that the young bicyclist had succumbed to his injuries.
The teen was identified in the information provided for this report as Carson Chrapkowski, a Middleton High School student. However, the police department’s public statement did not release the teenager’s name.
Police arrested 41-year-old Alyssa Louise Anderson in connection with the crash. Anderson was booked into the Canyon County Jail.
According to police, Anderson is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collision or the specific allegations supporting the DUI charge.
The crash remains under investigation by the Middleton Police Department and Idaho State Police. Investigators have not released further information about the sequence of events or whether additional charges could be filed.
Police said they are continuing to work to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
The Middleton Police Department expressed condolences to the teenager’s parents, family, friends, classmates and others affected by his death as the community mourns the loss of a young student.