Shooter no stranger to St Johns County law enforcement

Somourian Jamal Wingo, the man the Florida Highway Patrol tells Historic City News was shot and killed in Palatka early this morning by a state trooper attempting to make a simple traffic stop, is apparently no stranger to St Johns County law enforcement.

Wingo was first charged with possession of a weapon, marijuana possession and probation violation in St. Johns County on December 19, 2008. Charged with probation violation in St. Johns County on June 10, 2009. Charged with non-moving traffic violation and marijuana possession in St. Johns County on June 10, 2009. Charged with sale of cocaine, marijuana possession and non-moving traffic violation in St. Johns County on May 28, 2010. Sentenced October 5, 2010 to two years with the Florida Department of Corrections for sale of cocaine or manufacturing or delivering in St. Johns County; Wingo was released May 11, 2012.

In an update to this morning’s Historic City News report, the trooper involved in the shooting, 36-year-old Trooper Lawrence “Andrew” Litzell, remains in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries from a gunshot wound to the face. Litzell is believed to have been shot by Wingo with a small caliber firearm — possibly a .22 or .25 caliber semiautomatic handgun. He was airlifted from the scene to UF Health Gainesville Trauma Center for treatment.

“When someone attacks one of your own, it’s tough to hear,” spokesman Sergeant Dylan Bryan told local reporters. “Trooper Litzell is an outstanding model for his peers, and he’s been with FHP for 11 years. According to our protocol in such events, Trooper Litzell will be placed on administrative leave, with pay, during this investigation.”

The investigation of the shooting has been turned over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, who will provide future updates as more information is learned. It is not clear as the investigation continues exactly how many shots were fired by Wingo or Trooper Litzell; however, Wingo was fatally wounded and died at the scene in a neighborhood park near 2nd Street and Laurel Street in Palatka at about 1:00 a.m. this morning.

If you know anything about the events leading up to this morning’s shooting, or the identity or whereabouts of the second occupant of the maroon-colored Mercury Grand Marquis involved, please contact Crime Stoppers by calling (888) 277-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward.