Sarasota man is arrested in connection with a murder on 5.1

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

SCSO UPDATE – MAY 9, 2025

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in connection to the May 1 shooting at the 2500 block of Colson Avenue in Sarasota.

On May 8, Trae B. Ward (DOB: 10/17/1991), of Sarasota, was arrested and charged with Homicide: Murder Dangerous Depraved without Premeditation. Ward is in custody at the Sarasota County Correctional Facility.

This is an ongoing investigation. The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information regarding this incident to call the Criminal Investigation Section at 941-861-4900 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477), online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com

NEWS RELEASE 25-023 – MAY 2, 2025

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is updating an incident involving a shooting Thursday evening.

Deputies and paramedics responded to the 2500 Block of Colson Avenue in Sarasota on May 1, in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies located a man lying in the front yard with a gunshot wound to the chest. Paramedics provided life-saving aid and transported the victim, identified as 45-year-old Reginald Graves, to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Despite medical efforts Graves was pronounced dead at 7:54 p.m.. Next of kin was notified.

The Criminal Investigations Section responded to the scene and conducted interviews. Investigators are seeking additional witnesses and surveillance video.

At this time, a warrant has been issued for Trae B. Ward (DOB: 10/17/91) of Sarasota. This is believed to be an isolated incident. If you have any information on the whereabouts of Ward, please contact the SCSO Criminal Investigations Section at 941.861.4900 or Crime Stoppers at 941.366.8477 (366-TIPS), online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.