Lake City, FL Police Department Rescues Abducted Children

A woman fled inside. She entered the police department lobby seeking help following a physical altercation with her boyfriend, Branch Stamper. Surveillance video captured the pursuit. Stamper followed the victim into the lobby, knocked her to the floor, placed his arms around her neck, pulled her backward, and took her cell phone.

Emergency Response and Vehicle Theft

The incident occurred on Monday, August 10, 2026, at approximately 6:17 p.m. Officers responded to the disturbance at the Lake City Police Department, located at 225 NW Main Boulevard. Stamper then entered the victim's black Kia Seltos and left the parking lot with her two children still inside the vehicle. Stamper has no biological or legal relationship with either child. Officers with the Lake City, Florida Police Department acted quickly to initiate a search.

Technological Tracking and Recovery

Officers began searching immediately. Information obtained through the FLOCK license plate reader network and location data from the victim's cell phone assisted officers in locating the vehicle near NE Lake Drive. Dispatchers assisted officers with real-time car tracking technology. Officers tracked the stolen car using a FLOCK camera network. Officers used technology to ensure a swift vehicle recovery near NE Lake Drive.

Suspect Custody and Family Reunification

Officers found Stamper with the vehicle, the victim's property, and both children. Stamper was taken into custody without incident. The children were safely reunited with their mother. Swift action resulted in a successful officer rescue of both children. The Department of Children and Families was notified and opened an investigation.

Victim Support and Legal Charges

The victim sustained visible injuries but declined medical treatment. Officers completed a domestic violence packet and lethality assessment. The assessment indicated that the victim faced a potentially lethal situation. Officers provided her with information about available services and the injunction process. Officers explained how to report domestic violence to police resources and hotlines.

Stamper was transported to the Columbia County Detention Facility. His date of birth is September 12, 2001, and his address is 363 SE Montrose Ave, Lake City, FL 32025. Charges include two counts of kidnapping a child under 13 without parental consent, domestic battery by strangulation, grand theft of a motor vehicle, tampering in a misdemeanor proceeding, resisting an officer without violence, domestic battery, and driving while license suspended or revoked with knowledge.

Chief Gerald Butler emphasized the swift emergency action. "This case shows how quickly a domestic violence incident can escalate and place multiple lives at risk," Chief Gerald Butler said. "Our officers acted quickly, used the available technology to locate the vehicle, and safely reunited these children with their mother."

Anyone with information can contact the Lake City Police Department at (386) 752-4343, the LCPD TIPS line at (386) 719-2068, or Crime Stoppers of Columbia County at (386) 754-7099. Domestic violence assistance is available via the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119, the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, Micah's Place at 904-225-9979, and Hubbard House at 904-354-3114.

Honoring First Responders

Law enforcement officers remain committed to protecting families during critical emergency calls. Quick coordination and dedicated duty help keep communities safe every day.

We stand in deep solidarity with the brave men and women who protect our communities daily. You can make a donation to sustain our chaplain support program and help honor law enforcement families. We invite you to explore more stories to see the positive impact officers make across the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do police officers respond to domestic violence incidents?

Officers prioritize victim safety by securing the scene and evaluating physical injuries immediately upon arrival. First responders complete standardized domestic abuse documentation, conduct formal lethality risk assessments, offer immediate crisis support, and connect affected individuals with local protective shelter resources and legal assistance programs.

2. What is a police lethality assessment during emergency calls?

A lethality assessment is a standardized evaluation tool used by law enforcement during domestic abuse investigations. Officers ask specific risk questions to identify high-danger situations, evaluate potential threats, and immediately offer victims direct access to specialized protective services, confidential emergency shelter options, and legal guidance.

3. How do automated license plate readers assist in vehicle tracking?

Automated license plate readers capture vehicle plate images and cross-reference them against law enforcement databases continuously. When a stolen automobile or emergency alert matches system data, the technology sends real-time location notifications to patrolling officers, enabling rapid interception and recovery of fleeing suspect vehicles.

4. How does cell phone location data help locate missing children?

Law enforcement officers utilize emergency cellular location tracking technology to pinpoint the exact geographic coordinates of a mobile device. This real-time positioning information allows emergency dispatchers and searching patrol units to narrow search zones quickly and safely intercept fleeing vehicles carrying vulnerable missing children.

5. What steps do officers take during child abduction investigations?

Officers launch immediate multi-unit search operations, issue regional vehicle alerts, and deploy available camera surveillance systems across the area. First responders coordinate directly with specialized child welfare agencies to ensure the safe recovery of missing youth and facilitate immediate reunification with legal guardians and family members.

6. What is the purpose of a domestic violence injunction packet?

An injunction packet provides essential legal paperwork, safety planning guides, and procedural information for victims seeking court protection orders. Law enforcement personnel distribute these comprehensive packets to help individuals file restraining orders, navigate court filing requirements, and access dedicated advocacy organizations and emergency support resources.

Sources:

• Story and Image Source: Lake City Police Department - Lcflapd

• Additional Reporting: Flock cameras help Lake City officers rescue 2 abducted children, arrest suspect, police say