The following information is based on an Affidavit of Probable Cause:
Re: Shooting Incident on January 15, 2025
Defendant: Justin Odell Freshwater
On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Columbia Police officers responded to a reported shooting in the 100 block of South 4th Street, Columbia Borough, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Initial reports indicated an adult male had sustained gunshot wounds to the arm.
Investigation Details:
Initial Response:
- Officers discovered Victim #1 with two gunshot wounds to the left arm.
- The victim was treated on scene by EMS and transported to Lancaster General Hospital.
- Two spent Hornady 9mm shell casings were recovered at 400 block of Avenue K near South Fourth Street intersection.
Suspect Identification and Apprehension:
- Witness #1 identified the shooter as Justin Freshwater (18 YOM).
- Officers located Freshwater and a 17-year-old juvenile male in an apartment on the 100 block of South 4th Street.
- Both individuals were detained.
Witness Statement (approximately 1730 hours):
- Detective Matthew D. Leddy interviewed Witness #1.
- Witness reported that Freshwater, the juvenile male, and Victim #1 were known to each other and had prior conflicts.
- The incident began with an argument between Victim #1 and the juvenile male near Fourth and Cherry Streets.
- The argument continued into 400 block of Avenue K.
- Freshwater admitted that the juvenile male told him about the argument with Victim #1 when the juvenile male returned to the apartment.
-Freshwater admitted that he took a handgun from the apartment and approached the area where Victim #1 and Witness #1 were located.
-An argument ensued between Freshwater and Victim #1. Freshwater said that during this argument, he pulled the handgun from his waist area and shot Victim #1 two times.
-Freshwater said that he then fled the scene and returned to the apartment.
Suspect Interview (approximately 1917 hours):
- Detective Leddy conducted a Miranda-warned interview with Freshwater.
- Freshwater waived rights and provided a statement.
- Freshwater admitted to taking a handgun from the apartment after learning of argument.
- Freshwater confirmed confronting and shooting Victim #1 twice before fleeing back to apartment.
Charges Approved by Lancaster County District Attorney's Office:
1. 18 Pa.C.S.2702(a)(4) - Aggravated Assault (F2)
2. 18 Pa.C.S.6106(a)(1) - Firearms not to be carried without a license
[Photo and Affidavit of Probable Cause were provided by Austin Winkler, CBS21 News.]
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