Shooting Incident on January 15, 2025

 

Justin Odell Freshwater

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.]