TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A shooting at a park in Sarasota left an 18-year-old man dead late Wednesday night, authorities said.
The Sarasota Sheriff’s Office was called to a shooting at Ackerman Park, 400 Apex Road shortly before 11 p.m. Wednesday. An 18-year-old man had been struck and killed by gunfire was found in the parking lot of a library nearby, deputies said. He was deceased.
Deputies said a group of 40 to 50 people had gathered at the park when gunfire erupted. Several shots were fired, and the victim was struck in the back. His identity is being withheld due to Marsy’s Law.
“There are some reports we have that there was a possible dispute between some of the parties of a prior incident, but we don’t believe the victim that was struck may have been the intended victim in this case. We are told anywhere between six and eight shots were fired and unfortunately one struck the victim and he ended up passing away,” said Lt. Jason Mruczek.
Those with information about the shooting are being asked to call the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Section at 941-861-4900.
NOTE: Deputies previously told News Channel 8 the shooting occurred where the teen’s body was found, outside the Fruitville Public Library, 100 Apex Road, but an updated press release said the shooting happened at Ackerman Park. This story has been corrected.