Suspect Arrested After Gunfire Incident at Panama City Beach Shopping Center

Panama City Beach, FL (BuzzReport) — A 24-year-old Alabama man has been arrested following a chaotic incident Saturday evening at a popular Panama City Beach shopping center, where authorities say a firearm was discharged during a reported fight.

According to police, officers responded to the Shoppes at Edgewater at approximately 7:57 p.m. on March 21 after receiving calls about a disturbance involving multiple individuals. As officers arrived and began assessing the situation, investigators say one individual escalated the incident by producing a firearm and firing a round into the air, causing panic among bystanders.

Authorities identified the suspect as Talvin Mackey, 24, of Dothan, Alabama.

Police say Mackey attempted to evade capture by hiding the firearm in nearby bushes before fleeing the scene. Following the incident, law enforcement agencies across the region coordinated efforts to track the suspect’s movements as he attempted to leave the area and return to Alabama.

Mackey was ultimately located and taken into custody in Holmes County without further incident. Officials confirmed he will be transported back to Bay County, Florida, where he is expected to face multiple charges, including discharging a firearm in public, improper exhibition of a firearm, and tampering with evidence.

No injuries were reported as a result of the gunfire, though authorities emphasized the potential danger posed by the suspect’s actions in a crowded public setting.

Law enforcement officials issued a strong statement following the arrest, underscoring their commitment to public safety during the busy spring season.

“While we cannot control who chooses to come to Panama City Beach during this time, we can set clear expectations,” authorities said. “If you commit a crime in this city, you will be pursued, arrested, and held accountable. This case is a direct example of that.”

The investigation remains ongoing.