HomeCrimeNaples man arrested after allegedly shooting into woods along I-75 may also be connected with hit-and-run motorcycle crash that left one in critical condition

Naples man arrested after allegedly shooting into woods along I-75 may also be connected with hit-and-run motorcycle crash that left one in critical condition

March 26, 2023

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Chase Michael Christiansen, 21, of Naples, was arrested yesterday afternoon after callers reported a man shooting into the woods on I-75. Law enforcement officials believe he may be connected to a hit-and-run that left a motorcycle rider in critical condition Friday night.

At about 10 p.m. on March 24, Alachua County Sheriff’s (ASO) Deputies responded to a call about a person shooting into the woods at the 390 mile marker on I-75. The caller reported hearing about 10 gunshots. A Florida Highway Patrol Trooper also responded and found that ASO had Christiansen in custody.

The deputies reported that when they arrived, Christiansen was in the driver’s seat of his car, which was running. Deputies reportedly found 15 9mm brass casings in the vicinity of the car and found a Glock G45 in the passenger seat with its slide locked back. Deputies determined that Christiansen does not have a concealed weapon permit.

Deputies noted that the car had minor damage to the rear passenger side, with blue paint transfer on the gray car. The hit-and-run accident Friday night at about 10 p.m. involved a blue motorcycle. Deputies also reported that Christiansen appeared to be impaired, and two blood draws were collected on scene.

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Christiansen has been charged with carrying a concealed firearm without a permit; further charges are pending investigation. Bail information is unavailable on weekends, but Christiansen remains in the Alachua County Jail.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

31 Comments
  1. Bob J

    Good, grief, what is going on?
    There are many cattle and homes behind that sound barrier of trees.
    Gville again is becoming known as not safe here.

    • Harout oymayan

      Because crazy people from other states coming to Florida because life is more affordable

      • M W

        LOL! Absolutely NOT cheaper to live here. Unless they live under a rock…near your rock, maybe?

        I love how people instantly blame those from out of town. There are countless cities that rely on tourist dollars or college traffic to sustain their city/county budgets yet they don’t have the issues that this city/county does. Hrmmm…wonder why that could be? Couldn’t possibly be gross mismanagement of a city/county, grossly understaffed police forces or anything like that…🙄

  2. You voted for it, you got it.

    Anyone else think the city needs to turn off the welcome lights to the vagrants, castoffs and criminals?

    Only an idiot would say no. We’ll be waiting for the responses.

    • johnny jeffs

      Thank Meatball Ron , this lil punk wants more guns in florida . meatball ron is a coward

  3. Escobar

    POS needs to be in jail for good!

  4. Tallywacker

    He’ll get at least 3 years state vacation if he did that hit and run on the motorcycle. Serious bodily injury is no joke. I really hope the victim on the cycle will be okay.

  5. Bear9765

    How is he charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a permit it the gun was plainly visible in the passenger seat? I understand the possession of the firearm while impaired, and the reckless discharge of the firearm but how is it concealed if openly visible in the passenger seat with the slide locked back? Am I missing something in the story? It’s obvious that he doesn’t need a firearm since he has demonstrated he shouldn’t have one. He deserves his criminal charges. I am confused on the concealed weapons charge.

    • saywhat?

      I agree I was under the impression that no concealed carry permit is required to have gun in car (extension of home). can someone clarify?

      • JeffK

        The gun must be in the trunk.

    • YoursTruly

      CCW statute is confusing but once you understand that if the firearm is readily accessible (sitting out in the open not contained by a box, holster, or stored inside of a closed glove box or center console) it is considered a violation of the CCW statute. There are extreme fine lines here such as: If a gun is on the floor under the driver seat it is a violation. If that gun is in a holster on the floor under the drivers seat, no violation.
      There should be more clarity to this, I agree. Multiple violations are lumped into this one statute which is lengthy. Chris Wagoner is probably one of the best at explaining all of the nuances of this area of the law.

  6. Hurt

    It was my family member that he hit.
    And he just left them there to die.
    I hope they rip a new one in his ass. And may God have mercy on his soul.

  7. JeffK

    Why are these demons attracted like maggots here?

    • fartknocker

      Gainesville is the place of passage between evil and the rest of the world.

  8. In God We Trust

    After investigation the police have said that he was not involved in the accident. The damage was from damage to his car in Feb. Which they had proof. The accident was the motorcycle lost control and crashed. I pray that she will be ok.
    In Jesus name…. Amen

  9. Don't judge till you know the truth

    https://www.ocala-news.com/2023/03/29/fhp-looking-for-driver-involved-in-motorcycle-crash-that-critically-injured-gainesville-woman/

    This young man was not involved in this accident.