In the early hours of Sunday, June 29, 2025, at approximately 12:40 AM, law enforcement officials in Florence received reports of a shooting incident occurring in the downtown area, specifically near Court Street. Upon their arrival at the scene, officers discovered a male victim, later identified as 21-year-old Noah Briseno, who had suffered a gunshot wound to his ankle.
Thanks to the cooperation of witnesses present at the scene, the responding officers were able to swiftly identify the alleged shooter as 24-year-old Roderick Watkins. Eyewitnesses also provided a detailed description of the vehicle associated with the incident, which was identified as a gray Dodge Challenger. This vehicle was subsequently located by officers from the Florence Police Department in the vicinity.
Officers managed to safely call Watkins out of the vehicle without any further complications. A handgun was found inside the car, leading to Watkins’ arrest. He was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the Lauderdale County Detention Center for processing.
Roderick Watkins now faces charges of reckless endangerment and has since been released on bond.