North Port Police are investigating a shooting homicide on Thursday night

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

NPPD

Shortly before 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, the North Port Police Department responded to a shooting in the 8000 block of Rocliff Avenue. The victim, 40-year-old Zachary Lucas, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and later succumbed to his injuries.

Following an investigation and witness interviews, 26-year-old Michael Reinel was charged with one count of homicide. He was booked into the Sarasota County Jail around 9 a.m. Friday and is being held without bond.

The shooting took place after a verbal argument between the two. Both Lucas and Reinel were familiar with each other. This is an isolated incident. The investigation is ongoing.

“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic loss. Every life taken by violence is one too many, and our department is committed to seeking justice,” says North Port Police Chief Todd Garrison.

While no homicide charges were recorded in North Port in 2024, this marks the second such incident in the early weeks of 2025.