Man accused of shooting Daytona officer arrested near Atlanta

A man accused of shooting a Daytona Beach police officer has been arrested outside of Atlanta.

Othal Wallace was found hiding in a treehouse on a property near Atlanta associated with NFAC, a Black nationalist paramilitary organization, said Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young.

The 29-year-old was arrested just after 2:30 a.m. He was found with flashbangs, rifle plates, body armor, two rifles, two handguns and several boxes of ammunition, Young said.

“He actually did make a statement,” Young said of Wallace. “What he said was you guys know who I am, you know what I am capable of and it could have been a lot worse.”

“That was his statement,” Young added.

Young said will be extradited to Florida to face charges of attempted first-degree murder of a police officer.

The Wednesday shooting of Daytona officer Jason Raynor was caught on his body camera. It shows Wallace tousling with Raynor before a shot is fired, injuring Raynor in the head.

During the early morning press conference, Young said Raynor was recovering.

“As of yesterday there were very positive signs of improvement,” Young said. “He still has a way to go.”

Doctors determined the 26-year-old officer was strong enough to endure more testing, Young said.

“As of right now his outlook is a positive one,” Young said.

In the 56 hours it took to capture Wallace, Young said, the police department was flooded with tips on his whereabouts.

But ultimately it was technology and surveillance that led them to the multi-acre property, Young said.

Young said the property had two structures along with a trailer, a tree-house and another three acres of wooded area.

Four other people were also found on the property, but Young said he is unsure what charges they might face.

According to the Associated Press, the NFAC is a pro-gun group known to demonstrate against white supremacy and police violence. Young said the treehouse was fortified with weapons and ammunition.

Young said he was unsure if the gun used in the shooting of Raynor was recovered.

Raynor’s family was informed of Wallace’s capture, Young said.

“They request we continue to keep officer Raynor in our prayers,” Young said.

The reward for tips leading to Wallace’s arrest was increased to $200,000.

Four Daytona Beach police officers were present for the arrest along with U.S. Marshals, the FBI and Homeland Security, Young said.

As is customary, Wallace was detained with Raynor’s handcuffs.

IN CUSTODY!!! pic.twitter.com/YgaqVHMQwM

— Chief Jakari Young (@ChiefJakari) June 26, 2021