Winter Haven, FL - A 26-year-old Florida man has been arrested after allegedly shooting an individual six times after being asked to "drink and chill."
According to law enforcement officials, Ki'Jana Devane Thomas was arrested on Monday in connection with the shooting.
Police say Thomas contacted law enforcement to report that he had shot the victim outside of his apartment.
Thomas told police that the victim had approached Thomas's apartment door and invited him to "drink and chill."
Authorities say there have been prior negative interactions between the two, with Thomas advising the victim to stay away from him and his residence.
The situation escalated when the victim, standing outside the apartment, began to move backward, while Thomas advanced toward him.
During the confrontation, Thomas retrieved a firearm and discharged it, shooting the victim six times.
Thomas reportedly told authorities he acted out of fear for his life, asserting that the victim had begun to "charge" at him.
Winter Haven Police Department Police Chief David Brannan commented on the shooting, telling WKMG, "All Mr. Thomas needed to do was close the door and ignore the victim or at least call us to intervene. Instead, he decided to use a firearm, taking matters into his own hands, possibly endangering other citizens in the area."
The victim fled to the parking lot of a nearby Dollar General store and was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he remains in critical but stable condition.
Thomas was arrested on a charge of aggravated battery with a weapon.