Sheriff Ken Mascara announced that on Monday evening at approximately 7:45 p.m., deputies were called to the 1000 block of West Joy Lane regarding a shooting. Once they arrived, deputies found James Blackburn, 32, with a single gunshot wound to the face. Blackburn was transported by air ambulance to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center. He is currently in critical condition.
According to the Sheriff, witnesses at the home stated that the Blackburn and his wife were sitting on the front porch when the wife’s ex-husband arrived, approached the couple and shot the victim. The suspect then got back in his vehicle and left. The suspect was described as Eric Gagnon, 35.
Sheriff Mascara said, after several hours of searching the nearby area, along with several known places the suspect is frequently found, deputies were notified by the Osceola County 9-1-1 Center that Gagnon had called them and turned himself in. A 9mm handgun was located inside Gagnon’s vehicle.
According to the Sheriff, Gagnon was booked into the Osceola County Correctional Facility and charged with attempted first degree murder with a firearm. He is being held with no bond in Osceola County and will eventually be transported back to St. Lucie County where he will be booked into the St. Lucie County Jail. Additional charges by the State Attorney could be forthcoming.
