‘It could’ve been a lot worse,’ accused cop shooter says after arrest in property linked to Black nationalist group: police

A multi-agency search for a man accused of shooting a Florida police officer in the head ended Saturday morning after cops found the defiant suspect hiding in a Georgia property affiliated with a Black nationalist group.

Othal Wallace, whose senseless attack left the Daytona Beach officer in critical condition, was armed with flash bangs, two rifles and two handguns when police found him in a treehouse just outside Atlanta, authorities said. The hiding spot and the main house next to it are part of a heavily wooded property linked to a self-described militia dubbed the Not F---ing Around Coalition, or NFAC.

The 29-year-old suspect was arrested without further incident — but he did not go quietly.

As he was taken into custody, Wallace told cops, “You guys know who I am. You know what I am capable of. It could’ve been a lot worse,” Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young said at a news conference.

Othal Wallace was heavily armed when found in a treehouse.

The wounded officer, who was still in the hospital Saturday, was investigating a suspicious car when he approached Wallace in a parked vehicle Wednesday night, according to police. A 30-second video captured the tense interaction and part of a scuffle that ensued.

“How’s it going? Do you live here?” Officer Jason Raynor asked the suspect as the man got out of the car.

“Sit down. Sit, sit, sit,” the officer said.

“Come on now. Don’t do this,” Wallace replied as he refused to go back into the car. “Why are you asking me if I live here? What’s going on?”

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The body-cam video ends seconds later with Raynor appearing to be on the ground.

The 26-year-old officer was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery. As of Saturday morning, Raynor’s outlook was starting to improve, Chief Young told reporters.

“I have the permission of his mother and sister to let everyone know they greatly appreciate the support they received and request we keep Officer Raynor in our prayers,” Young said.

Wallace, who was taken into custody in Raynor’s handcuffs, also had body armor, rifle plates and several boxes of ammunition in the treehouse where he was hiding, according to police. Four other people were on the property, but there was no word on possible charges against them.

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The accused shooter was expected to be extradited to Florida this weekend so he can be formally charged.

The FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service and several local agencies assisted in the search for Wallace, and authorities offered a reward of $200,000 for information leading to his arrest.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis celebrated Wallace’s capture on social media.

“The suspect in the vicious shooting of Police Officer Jason Raynor was apprehended by Georgia police at a black nationalist paramilitary encampment,” he tweeted. “There is no place for hate in Florida. Our law enforcement will be protected. Justice will be swift.”