LAKELAND, Fla. — The Lakeland Police Department (LPD) announced Friday the arrest of a man in connection with Thursday's fatal shooting outside of Wally’s Poolhall.
LPD said officers responded to a shooting in the parking lot of Wally's Poolhall at around 12:35 a.m. on March 5.
Upon arrival, officers said they found 48-year-old Steven Michael Magee lying on the sidewalk, unconscious, with several gunshot wounds. Magee was transported to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries, per the report.
LPD said detectives learned both Magee and another man, Kevin Lamont Reed Jr., were inside Wally's before the shooting, but the two never made contact inside.
Reed and two women went outside shortly after midnight, and Magee went outside just before 12:30 a.m, per the report.
At some point, police said a disagreement ensued between the two men and according to witness statements, one of the women tried to hold Reed back while they argued.
The report said Magee started backing away with his hands up, looking like he was attempting to de-escalate the argument, but Reed followed and pushed him.
Police said Reed then turned around as if he was going to leave; however, within a few steps, he turned back around, drew a handgun and fired multiple rounds at Magee.
Magee then drew his own weapon and returned fire as he was falling to the ground before Reed fled the scene in a vehicle, per LPD.
Police said Reed was arrested later that day and is charged with second-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence.
The report said while taking Reed into custody, detectives were able to locate a firearm believed to be used in the crime and are having it tested.
Officers also located a handgun near Magee when they arrived, which police said was secured as evidence.
While taking Reed into custody, detectives were able to locate a firearm believed to be used in the crime and are having it tested.
The investigation is active and ongoing, according to police.
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