LAKE CITY, Fla. – A Lake City woman is facing serious charges after allegedly entering a home with a loaded handgun and threatening residents on Monday evening.
According to the Lake City Police Department (LCPD), officers responded around 6:20 p.m. on Northeast Lake Drive, near the Watertown area, after a 911 caller reported an armed subject inside the home.
Upon arrival, officers set up a perimeter and encountered a man outside who confirmed that an armed woman remained inside the residence. As officers secured the scene, a woman exited the home and was detained without incident. She informed officers there was still another female inside.
Police say the suspect, Marnita Yolanda Demps, 62, of Lake City, had arrived at the home in an agitated state, brandished a handgun, and entered the property without permission. She reportedly threatened the occupants, causing them to fear for their safety and feel trapped.
Officers found Demps in possession of a loaded handgun and placed her under arrest. She was booked into the Columbia County Jail and charged with burglary and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Her bond was set at $125,000.
Chief of Police Gerald Butler praised the officers’ swift action, stating, “The swift response and teamwork by our officers prevented this situation from escalating further. We take all threats of violence seriously and will continue to act decisively to ensure the safety of our residents.”
