Lake Wales man charged in argument-turned-shooting

LAKE WALES, Fla. (WFLA) — A Lake Wales man was arrested after an argument escalated into violence late Wednesday night, according to authorities.

The Lake Wales Police Department said at 11:14 p.m., officers were called to a shooting on West Park Avenue.

First responders found the victim, identified as “an adult male,” lying in an alleyway after someone shot him in the chest.

Polk County deputies and Lake Wales officers searched the surrounding area for the suspect. According to a release, they found the suspect, 33-year-old Terrence Mathis of Lake Wales, about a block away.

Investigators said Mathis and the victim were arguing just before the shooting. The victim was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

Mathis was charged with attempted first-degree murder. If you have information on the situation, call Lake Wales Police at 863-678-4223.

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