Roderick Watkins Arrested After Shooting Injures Noah Briseno in Downtown Florence
FLORENCE, AL – June 29, 2025 — Florence Police have arrested 24-year-old Roderick Watkins in connection to a downtown shooting that left 21-year-old Noah Briseno wounded early Sunday morning.
At approximately 12:40 a.m., officers responded to reports of gunfire near Court Street, a busy area in downtown Florence. When officers arrived on the scene, they found Noah Briseno suffering from a gunshot wound to his ankle. He received immediate medical attention for what was described as a non-life-threatening injury.
Thanks to the quick response of several witnesses, officers were able to identify Roderick Watkins as the alleged shooter. Witnesses also provided a description of the vehicle involved — a gray Dodge Challenger — which officers located shortly after the shooting.
Florence Police initiated a high-risk traffic stop and successfully called Watkins out of the vehicle without incident. During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered a handgun believed to be connected to the shooting. Roderick Watkins was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Lauderdale County Detention Center.
Charges and Status
Watkins has been charged with reckless endangerment in connection with the shooting of Noah Briseno. Authorities confirmed that Watkins has since bonded out of custody. Investigators continue to gather information and review evidence, and additional charges may be considered as the case develops.
Community Praised for Cooperation
Florence Police officials credited the swift resolution to the cooperation of bystanders and timely witness statements, which were critical in identifying Roderick Watkins and locating the suspect vehicle.
“Thanks to the community’s assistance and the quick action of our officers, we were able to safely detain the suspect and begin our investigation without further risk to the public,” a department spokesperson said.
Investigation Ongoing
Noah Briseno is expected to recover fully from his injuries. Detectives with the Florence Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division are continuing their investigation and are encouraging anyone with additional information to come forward.
The Florence Police Department emphasized the importance of community involvement in resolving violent incidents and maintaining public safety, especially in areas with high foot traffic during weekend hours.