(Daily360.com) – Shots rang out in Lakeland, Florida, on January 30 when a dark blue sedan with tinted windows drove down Iowa Avenue in mid-afternoon. Lakeland Police Chief Sammy Taylor held a news conference hours after the shooting to report that 10 men aged 20 to 35 were shot during the incident. Police reportedly arrived on the scene a minute after the shooting started, but the suspects had already fled the scene.
Watch here: https://t.co/3S1ALqf2V2 https://t.co/PuF01HxZ7H
— LakelandPD (@LakelandPD) January 31, 2023
The next day, CBS News reported the number of victims jumped to 11, as one person arrived at the emergency room on his own following the shooting. Most of the victims did not have life-threatening injuries, but two of the men required surgery. One of the more seriously wounded victims was shot in the face, while the other suffered an injury to his abdomen.
Initial reports from officers revealed there were drugs at the scene, but it was unclear whether that had anything to do with the violent incident. Police also weren’t sure if the attack was gang-related but did say it appeared to be an isolated event. Investigators found two different types of ammunition at the scene, indicating more than one weapon was involved but they didn’t think there was an ongoing threat to the public.
On January 31, Chief Taylor revealed that investigators found what they believe to be the vehicle in question and that four people were present during the attack. Law enforcement officers estimate two or more individuals were involved in the actual shooting. The police chief said authorities have “promising leads” to follow.
ABC Action News reported 15 detectives are working tirelessly on the case. An increased number of patrol officers will be in the area where the shooting took place to ensure residents’ safety. Police are offering a reward for any information that leads to an arrest. Tipsters can call 1-800-226-8477 with information.
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