GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A suspect was caught in Georgia with a hostage, who was recovered safely, after two employees were shot and killed Tuesday in the front office of Summer Place Apartments on Southwest 41st Place in Gainesville, according to police.
The Gainesville Police Department identified the victims as 28-year-old Jude Onyegbulam Osuji Jr. and 60-year-old Robert Earl Brumbaugh.
GPD spokesman Ben Tobias said nearby residents were asked to shelter in place after officers were called about 1:30 p.m. to the double shooting.
Neighbor Don Clark heard the shots, but didn't know it was gunfire at the time.
"I figured it was coming from the parking lot and somebody's car backfired on them. I heard it twice," Clerk said. "It's a shame, a disaster."
A man, who asked not to be identified, said, at one point, while neighbors were hunkered down in their apartments, law enforcement snipers were positioned on top of the roof as they searched for the gunman.
Nearly two hours later and more than 110 miles away from Gainesville, police said, the suspect, later identified by police as 23-year-old Cedric Tremaine Plummer, was located and stopped on I-75 in Lowndes County, Georgia.
Police said a 19-year-old woman connected to the incident was also located safe in the car. They confirmed that the woman, who was also an employee at Summer Place Apartments, was a hostage.
"To hear the news she was found safe in that vehicle by deputies in Georgia was amazing news to all of us working the case," Tobias said.
A firearm was discovered inside the car and investigators will work to determine whether it was the firearm used in the shooting, according to police.
Back in Gainesville, police said that both of the victims were employees of the apartment complex, which is about 2 miles from the University of Florida campus, surrounded by other complexes of off-campus housing.
As night fell, friends and family members honored the two men killed with a memorial at the site, which continued to grow throughout the evening.
"This is a very quiet neighborhood. No disturbances of any kind since I've been living here, which is since July," neighbor India Rogers said. "I was really surprised and shocked."
As of 10 p.m. Tuesday, police said, Plummer, who lived at Summer Place Apartments, remained in custody in Lowdnes County. At some point, he will be brought back to Gainesville to face charges.
Detectives continue to investigate.