Police investigating a shooting involving a man that barricaded himself on the condo property
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
UPDATE 8:15AM Just after 7:30a, man who officers were looking for was found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Public is not believed to be in danger. Ben Franklin Dr will be re-opened soon. Officers & Criminalistics will remain on scene. Add’tl info in post. pic.twitter.com/HQDfi3RtJh
— Sarasota Police Department (@SarasotaPD) July 10, 2021
SPD
Officers with the Sarasota Police Department are investigating a shooting in the 1800 block of Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota. The information in this release is fluid and very preliminary.
Sarasota Police officers responded to a condo building at 1800 Benjamin Franklin Drive, just after 11:30 p.m. on Friday, July 9, 2021.
Preliminary investigation has shown that a man, age 58, is a disgruntled former employee who was fired from his maintenance job at the condo building earlier this week. Officers believe the man fired shots into an empty, parked car.
Shortly after firing into the car, the man was involved in a dispute with two other people. Officers believe the man is now barricaded on the condo property.
At the time of this release, members with the Sarasota Police Department SWAT and CNU (Crisis Negotiation Unit) are working to negotiate a peaceful outcome. They have been on scene since 1 a.m.
Benjamin Franklin Drive is closed in all directions from South Lido Key Beach to the 1500 block of Benjamin Franklin Drive. Residents and citizens are being asked to avoid the area and stay inside.
The Sarasota Police Department social media channels will be updated as quickly as possible. Follow on Twitter @SarasotaPD and Facebook at www.facebook.com/SarasotaPoliceDepartment
Media outlets are asked to meet with Public Information Officer Genevieve Judge just after the Ritz-Carlton property on Benjamin Franklin Drive. Please e-mail Genevieve at [email protected] if you plan on sending a crew.