BRADENTON, Fla. — Authorities have taken a suspect into custody following a shooting incident at a medical complex on Thursday afternoon that resulted in one woman’s death and left another hospitalized. The Bradenton Police Department quickly acted upon receiving reports of gunfire in the area.
Keith Roberts Jr., 29, faces serious charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, according to police statements. Officers responded to the scene in the 5200 block of 4th Avenue Circle East shortly before 1 p.m., where they discovered two women—one who had succumbed to her injuries and another who was transported to a local hospital for medical care.
“Any shooting in our community raises immediate concern, especially one that unfolds in a commercial area during working hours,” said Meredith Censullo, the public information officer for the police department. Her remarks reflect the heightened sense of fear as the shooting occurred near a facility frequented by dental patients and staff.
While the medical complex itself did not serve patients at the time of the incident, it housed employees who may have been caught in the chaos. Censullo suggested that the assailant may have had a specific motive for being at the location, emphasizing the investigatory focus on the suspect’s intentions.
Within minutes of the shooting, authorities were able to track down a vehicle suspected to belong to the shooter. This vehicle was located near the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto shortly after 1 p.m. “Witness descriptions helped us quickly identify and follow the vehicle, which was leaving Bradenton and heading toward Palmetto,” Censullo said.
Roberts was detained right after officers stopped the car, allowing police to question him about his involvement. He is now being held as the investigation continues, with detectives working to gather more information regarding the incident.
As of now, the identities of the victims have yet to be disclosed, leaving the community awaiting further updates from law enforcement. Police are diligently investigating the case and are asking anyone with relevant information to come forward.
The shooting has shaken the local community, leaving many in Bradenton grappling with both fear and a desire for answers in the wake of this violent act.