LAKELAND, Fla. — Police are searching for a 34-year-old man today after a weekend confrontation outside a local lounge turned into a fatal shooting. On Tuesday, the Lakeland Police Department announced that they have secured an arrest warrant for Janard Dominic Childs in connection with the death of Deandre Montgomery.
The violence broke out around 2:00 a.m. Sunday, February 22, at the Jade Fox Lounge on Lakeland Highlands Road. Officers who were already patrolling the north end of the parking lot reported hearing a volley of gunshots and rushed toward the sound.
There, they discovered a silver Dodge pickup truck with its driver’s door flung open. Montgomery, 38, was lying on the pavement nearby with several gunshot wounds. Though officers and medical staff at Lakeland Regional Health worked to save him, he was later pronounced dead.
Investigators spent the last 48 hours piecing together what led to the gunfire. According to witness statements and evidence collected at the scene, the situation began when Childs approached Montgomery’s truck.
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What started as a verbal argument quickly turned physical. Detectives allege that during the struggle, Childs pulled out a handgun and fired multiple times at Montgomery before jumping into a waiting white Lincoln SUV and speeding away.
The warrant issued for Childs includes charges of second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and tampering with physical evidence. While authorities previously noted that the two men likely knew each other, they have not released a specific motive for the initial dispute.
Lakeland Police is now asking for the public’s help to track Childs down. Anyone who might know where he is hiding can call the Lakeland Police Department directly at 863-834-6900.
For those who want to stay anonymous, Heartland Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-888-400-TIPS or using the “P3tips” smartphone app.
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