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Suspect Wanted After Man Shot to Death Outside Lakeland Cocktail Lounge
Lakeland police are searching for a 34-year-old man they say shot and killed another man outside a local bar.
Feb. 24, 2026 at 8:50pm
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Lakeland police are searching for Janard Dominic Childs, 34, who they say shot and killed Deandre Montgomery, 38, outside the Jade Fox Lounge in Lakeland, Florida early on February 22nd. According to authorities, Childs and Montgomery got into an argument that turned physical, and Childs allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Montgomery multiple times. Childs then fled the scene in a white Lincoln SUV. Police have charged Childs with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and tampering with evidence, but have not yet been able to locate him.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in the Lakeland area, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in apprehending suspects who flee crime scenes. The shooting took place outside a popular local cocktail lounge, raising concerns about public safety in the community.
The details
According to the Lakeland Police Department, officers were on patrol in the north end of the Jade Fox Lounge parking lot around 2 a.m. on February 22nd when they heard multiple gunshots. They rushed over to the business and found Deandre Montgomery, 38, lying on the ground near a silver Dodge pickup truck, having been shot multiple times. Montgomery was taken to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Witnesses told detectives that Childs had approached Montgomery's truck, got into an argument with him, and the confrontation turned physical. At some point, Childs allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Montgomery. Childs then fled the scene in a waiting white Lincoln SUV.
- The shooting occurred around 2 a.m. on February 22, 2026.
- Deandre Montgomery, 38, died from his injuries at the hospital.
The players
Janard Dominic Childs
A 34-year-old Lakeland resident who is wanted by police for the shooting death of Deandre Montgomery.
Deandre Montgomery
A 38-year-old Lakeland man who was shot and killed outside the Jade Fox Lounge.
Lakeland Police Department
The law enforcement agency investigating the shooting and searching for the suspect, Janard Dominic Childs.
What’s next
The Lakeland Police Department is continuing its search for Janard Dominic Childs and urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward. A warrant has been issued for Childs' arrest on charges of second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and tampering with evidence.
The takeaway
This tragic shooting outside a local cocktail lounge is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges of gun violence in the Lakeland community. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement and residents to help apprehend dangerous suspects and improve public safety.
