A 23‑year‑old man from Bradenton was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds after an overnight shooting on Thursday, Sarasota County deputies said.
Background
The shooting occurred just after 2 a.m. near the intersection of 12th Street and 7th Avenue, an area known for late‑night traffic from nearby bars and restaurants. Deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a possible robbery in progress, and found the victim lying on the pavement with extensive injuries. The victim was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Neighbors reported hearing several bursts of gunfire and seeing a dark‑colored sedan flee the scene.
Friends and family of the victim, who asked to remain anonymous, said he was a local college student who worked nights at a nearby restaurant. The neighborhood, typically quiet after midnight, was shaken by the gunfire, prompting local business owners to increase security measures.
The Investigation
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office investigators, assisted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI, are treating the case as a homicide. Deputies collected shell casings, surveillance video from nearby businesses, and a partial license plate from a vehicle that was seen speeding away. According to the sheriff’s office, a suspect matching the description of a male in his late 20s, wearing a dark hoodie and jeans, is being sought. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet announced any arrests. The suspect is allegedly linked to a string of recent robberies in the county, though officials have not disclosed further details pending the investigation.
Investigators are also reviewing cell‑phone records and canvassing nearby residents for additional eyewitnesses. The FDLE crime lab is processing the recovered shell casings for ballistic matches that could tie the weapon to other incidents in the area.
Key Takeaways
- Victim: 23‑year‑old male, identity pending official release
- Location: Intersection of 12th St. and 7th Ave., Bradenton
- Time: Shortly after 2 a.m. on Thursday
- Cause of death: Multiple gunshot wounds, confirmed by medical examiner
- Suspect description: Male, late 20s, dark hoodie, dark‑colored sedan
- Agencies involved: Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, FDLE, FBI
What's Next
The medical examiner is scheduled to perform an autopsy later this week to confirm the exact cause of death and to collect any additional forensic evidence. Sarasota County deputies plan to hold a press conference within the next 48 hours to release any new leads and to appeal for witnesses who may have seen the suspect or the vehicle. If a suspect is identified, they could be charged with homicide, armed robbery, and illegal possession of a firearm, pending the outcome of the investigation.