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FRANKLIN COUNTY, FL — A Franklin County man is being praised for his quick and courageous actions after he intervened to protect his daughter from an armed and reportedly unstable roommate who attempted to carry out a premeditated shooting spree.
The incident unfolded around 10 a.m. Sunday morning in the Highland Park neighborhood. Johnny Turner, a former law enforcement officer, had gone to check on his daughter following threats made by her roommate, identified as Dwayne Reeder. According to Franklin County Sheriff A.J. “Tony” Smith, Reeder had previously made violent threats and was reportedly stockpiling weapons and ammunition inside the home.
Upon Turner’s arrival at the mobile home, Reeder reportedly attempted to shoot Turner’s daughter with a rifle-style firearm, believed to be an AR-15, but the gun misfired, allowing her to escape harm. Moments later, Reeder emerged from the home with a handgun and began firing at Turner without provocation.
Turner was struck multiple times during the exchange but was able to return fire, striking Reeder once in the wrist. Despite his injuries, Turner managed to subdue the shooter and hold him at gunpoint until deputies arrived. Authorities credit Turner’s response with preventing what could have been a mass casualty incident.
“Probably Turner saved other people’s lives because there was a cache of weapons—assault rifles, shotguns, handguns, hundreds of rounds of ammunition—inside this mobile home,” Sheriff Smith stated in a public briefing. He added that had Turner been neutralized, Reeder may have carried out a broader attack.
Emergency medical services transported Turner to a hospital in Panama City where he underwent surgery. He is expected to recover, as no vital organs were
hit. Reeder was also hospitalized and is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder and aggravated battery. A marijuana grow operation was also discovered inside the residence.
Reeder will be booked into the Leon County Jail once released from the hospital.
This case highlights the importance of situational awareness and the potential life-saving impact of responsible firearm use in defense of oneself and others. Turner’s ability to remain calm under pressure, despite being wounded, and to stop the attacker before further violence could occur underscores why training and mental readiness are vital for any armed citizen.
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