Ten people were hurt after a drive-by shooting in the middle of the day in a Lakeland neighborhood. Investigators are continuing to search for the four suspects and their blue vehicle.
Chief Sam Taylor said a dark blue four-door Nissan sedan was seen slowing near the shooting scene the windows were rolled down and shots were fired. Investigators say they do believe there were four shooters who were inside the vehicle.
Lakeland police are offering a $5,000 reward with Heartland Crime Stoppers for information that can lead to an arrest. Anonymous tips can be submitted by dialing 1-800-226-8477 or heading to the website: www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.
The shooting occurred along North Iowa Avenue near Plum Street around 3:43 p.m. Monday.
Three shooting victims were found at the scene when officers arrived and were all taken to the hospital. The remainder were transported in personal vehicles. As of Monday night, two victims were in critical condition and needed surgery.
Chief Taylor said that in his three decades with the agency, he has never worked a case like this.
“This doesn’t happen in Lakeland,” Chief Taylor said. “I’ve been here 34 years, and I can tell you I have never worked an event where this many people have been shot at one time, ever.”
Officers said the vehicle was seen speeding off after the shooting, and they are now searching for the vehicle and the shooters who were inside. LPD said the vehicle also had dark-tinted windows and a temporary tag.
Investigators do not believe the shooting was random. However, police said they are not sure if all victims were targeted or if some may have been caught in the crossfire.
Chief Taylor said about 25 officers and 15 detectives responded to the shooting.
Tina Smith, who lives in the neighborhood, shared home security footage with FOX 13, saying her children just got off the school bus before bullets started flying. In the 30-second clip, shots were heard.
“Get in the house,” she said in the video. “I’ll call for help.”
Police said they found a large amount of marijuana at the scene and indicated there was possibly some type of drug sale at the time.
“It just reminds you how short life is,” Smith said. “Any moment can be taken from you whether you have anything to do with it or not.”
Note: This article is taken from fox13news.com
