DOUGLAS COUNTY —A 22-year-old man is in custody after police believe he shot another man Wednesday night while inside a car at Casey’s General Store, 1703 W. 6th Street in Lawrence, according to a statement from the Lawrence Police Department.
Seven people were in the car when the suspect was recklessly handling a gun and discharged it, striking the 23-year-old victim.
At least some members of the group then drove with the victim to the hospital and remained. Others did not and hospital staff notified Lawrence Police about 11pm.
Police did not find the car at the hospital nor all seven people when they arrived. Police learned the car was likely headed to Eudora. Eudora Police quickly found the car near 13th and Cherry Street with only the driver inside.
The investigation led officers to the suspect’s home in the 1100 block of W. 29th Terrace. Officers monitored the home and were able to safely arrest the suspect about 2am. Investigators also recovered the firearm allegedly used in the shooting.
Police booked the suspect into Douglas County Correctional Facility and will forward the case to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration. The victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.