In an incident that unfolded on June 4, 2023, Palatka Police Department officers were dispatched to 6710 St. Johns Avenue following a report of a shooting. The chaotic series of events that ensued would eventually lead to the arrest of Semaj Atkins, 21, of Gainesville, FL.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers made contact with Phillip Bryant, 31, a resident of Palatka, who confessed to firing shots at Atkins. Bryant recounted the terrifying moments when Atkins, armed with a pistol, approached his front door and pointed the firearm directly at him. In a swift reaction, Bryant managed to deflect the gun and secure himself inside his apartment, all the while fearing for his and his children’s safety.
As Bryant retrieved his own firearm, an AR-15, he heard gunshots and quickly responded by discharging his weapon toward the front door. The situation escalated when Atkins shot at Bryant’s bedroom window, prompting Bryant to return fire once again before Atkins fled the scene. Bryant believed the confrontation stemmed from an argument earlier that day. Investigators later recovered multiple 5.56 and 9mm shell casings from both inside and outside the residence, and Bryant’s AR-15 was taken in for processing.
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In a rapid response, a Deputy from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office located and stopped Atkins’ vehicle. Inside, Atkins was found suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper left torso and was immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment. The vehicle and a 9mm handgun, along with ammunition, were secured for evidence processing.
During a subsequent interview, Atkins admitted to visiting Bryant’s residence but claimed he had left the 9mm handgun in the vehicle and denied firing any shots. This statement was contradicted by the discovery of spent 9mm shell casings outside the apartment.
All collected evidence was sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for ballistics processing. On October 10, 2023, FDLE’s report confirmed the 9mm shell casings matched the handgun in Atkins’ possession, while the 5.56 casings matched Bryant’s firearm. This crucial piece of evidence validated Bryant’s account of the incident, framing his actions as self-defense.
Following the investigation’s conclusion, a warrant for Atkins’ arrest was issued, charging him with one count of aggravated assault and one count of firing a missile into a dwelling. On October 25, 2023, Atkins surrendered himself to the Putnam County Jail, where he is being held without bond.
This intense and dangerous confrontation at St. Johns Avenue highlights the grave risks posed by armed confrontations and the critical role of quick police response and thorough investigation. The incident also underscores the importance of ballistics testing in verifying eyewitness accounts and ensuring that justice is served. Today, the community can find solace in the resolution of this case and the steadfast dedication of local law enforcement to uphold safety and order.
Police in Palatka, FL, announced today that after reviewing the evidence from a June 4 exchange of gunfire, they’ve confirmed a homeowner’s claim that he used his AR-15 to lawfully defend himself and his family against an armed gunman who shot first. https://t.co/IpI6JZg0vA
— Defensive Gun Use Tracker (@DailyDGU) October 25, 2023
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