Tallahassee Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Christmas Eve Shooting

Damien Johnson, 22, arrested for allegedly shooting victim multiple times in apartment complex parking lot

Mar. 5, 2026 at 6:54pm

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The Tallahassee Police Department has arrested 22-year-old Damien Johnson and charged him with attempted second-degree murder following a Christmas Eve shooting that left the victim in critical condition. According to police, the victim was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds after driving himself to a nearby Waffle House, where bystanders called for help.

Why it matters

Gun violence and attempted murder cases are serious crimes that raise public safety concerns in the Tallahassee community, especially during the holiday season when people are gathering with family and friends. This incident highlights the need for continued law enforcement efforts to address violent crime in the area.

The details

Investigators determined that the shooting occurred in the parking lot of an apartment complex within the 2000 block of Continental Drive. The victim, who was unable to provide a statement to police for several weeks due to his injuries, was found to have been sitting in a vehicle when Johnson allegedly located him, fired multiple rounds, and then fled the scene.

  • The shooting occurred around 3:30 a.m. on December 24, 2025 (Christmas Eve).
  • The victim drove himself to a nearby Waffle House after being shot.
  • Johnson was arrested on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Damien Johnson

A 22-year-old Tallahassee resident who has been charged with attempted second-degree murder in connection with the Christmas Eve shooting.

Tallahassee Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the shooting, investigated the incident, and made the arrest of Damien Johnson.

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What’s next

Johnson is being held in the Leon County Jail. The judge will determine whether to grant him bail at a future court hearing.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenge of addressing violent crime in Tallahassee and the importance of continued law enforcement efforts to protect public safety, even during the holiday season when people should feel secure celebrating with loved ones.