HAVANA, Fla. (CBS12) -- Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the August 31 shooting of a Florida State University freshman linebacker, Ethan Pritchard, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office.
Pritchard, a 6-foot-2, 224-pound true freshman from Sanford, was critically injured while driving two family members home from a cookout near the Havana Heights Apartments, according to the news release. The shooting occurred while he was inside a vehicle, and authorities believe it was a case of being in the "wrong place at the wrong time". He remains in intensive care at a Tallahassee-area hospital, in critical but stable condition.
FDLE announced on Wednesday that agents and Gadsden County deputies executed four search warrants across Gadsden and Leon counties. Three suspects were arrested during the operation, and a fourth turned himself in later that day. The criminal counts include attempted first-degree murder and shooting into an occupied vehicle. One individual was arrested for violating probation.
"This is the epitome of classic law enforcement collaboration, helping to heal a community harmed by gun violence. I commend our agents and fellow law enforcement members for making sure these criminals see the consequences of their actions," FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said.
Investigators say the shooting may be linked to another incident that occurred in Havana just five days earlier. The case remains active, with law enforcement continuing to gather evidence.
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Florida State University released a statement expressing gratitude for the support shown to the Pritchard family and the care provided by first responders and medical professionals. The university has asked for privacy as the family navigates this difficult time.