Two shooting incidents under investigation; Pattern concerning for Sarasota Police
Sarasota Police detectives are investigating two separate shooting incidents in the last two days. It is unknown if these two shooting incidents are connected. Chief Bernadette DiPino is concerned about the number of shootings that have happened since a state of emergency was declared in the City of Sarasota for COVID-19 on March 13, 2020.
The first shooting in the last two days happened Sunday at approximately 6:25 p.m. Sarasota Police officers responded to the 3000 block of Old Bradenton Road, Sarasota. Witnesses told officers they were standing outside in a driveway when a grey Chrysler 300 drove by and an unknown person fired shots in their direction. Officers found shell casings and a live round outside in the road. There were no reported injuries.
The second shooting happened Monday at approximately 8:45 p.m. Sarasota Police officers responded to the 2800 block of Palmadelia Avenue, Sarasota. Officers found a bullet hole in the side of a home. A bullet hit a frame inside the home and was found on the floor. Shell casings were found outside in the road. There were no reported injuries.
“I’m concerned about the safety of our community and our officers,” said Chief DiPino. “Gun violence impacts the physical and mental wellbeing of our citizens and police officers. We need the community’s help to end these shootings. I am worried innocent children and bystanders who can be hurt by a stray bullet. The fear of serious harm is real.”
Since March 13, 2020, Sarasota Police officers have responded to 39 incidents where shots were fired. In 6 of the 39 cases, a person suffered injuries, non-life threatening. On Saturday, August 1, 2020 at approximately 11:30 p.m., Sarasota Police officers responded to an aggravated assault at a block party in the 1700 block of 23rd Street, Sarasota. There were an estimated 200 people present. Witnesses outside heard shots fired. A victim, who had non-life-threatening injuries, is COVID positive and a Sarasota Police officer was exposed. A Sarasota Police officer rendered life saving measures to the person shot. Chief DiPino commends her officers who continue to go above and beyond to keep our community safe even during a pandemic.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 941-263-6070 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com