A Dixie County Sheriff’s Office deputy is on the path to a full recovery after being shot during an exchange of gunfire with a suspect at an Old Town establishment on Saturday night, October 11, 2025.
The confrontation occurred after deputies responded to a call reporting that an individual had fired shots into an occupied building, later identified by reports as the Old Town Tavern, located at 3634 NE Highway 349. The building was struck, but no one inside was injured during the initial shooting.
Upon the arrival of deputies, the armed suspect immediately began firing at the law enforcement officers. During the ensuing shootout, Dixie County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Cody Pope was struck. Deputy Pope was transported for medical treatment and is reported to be in stable condition. An official update confirmed that Deputy Pope is expected to make a full recovery.
The suspect, identified as Christopher Thomas Van Ness, 54, was also struck by gunfire. He was taken into custody by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and remains hospitalized. His current condition is unknown.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has issued a capital felony warrant for attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer against Van Ness.
The investigation into the officer-involved shooting has been turned over to the FDLE, which is standard procedure.
The Dixie County Sheriff’s Office released a statement extending gratitude to all assisting agencies and to the community “for the continued prayers and encouragement for Deputy Pope and the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office family.”
This remains an active and ongoing investigation.
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