DELAND, Fla. – The DeLand Police Department is actively searching for a suspect involved in a fatal shooting that occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident took place at the intersection of West Beresford Avenue and South Parsons Avenue, prompting officers to respond to a report of a gunshot victim at 3:51 a.m.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered an individual with a gunshot wound lying in the roadway. Tragically, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene, with their identity currently withheld from the public. Eyewitnesses, like Kizzie Hayward, recounted hearing the gunshots and the chaos that ensued in the neighborhood.
Detectives have identified the suspect as a Hispanic male aged between 25 and 35, last seen wearing black shoes, pants, a white shirt, and carrying a black backpack. He was observed entering the Sha-De-Land Mobile Home Park at 1100 South Woodland Boulevard. The DeLand Police Department has issued a warning to the public, urging anyone who encounters the suspect to refrain from approaching him due to the perceived danger he poses as he is believed to be armed.
In light of the ongoing investigation, authorities are soliciting information from the community and encourage individuals with relevant details about the shooting to contact them promptly at 386-626-7400. The urgency to locate the suspect underscores the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for cooperation from residents in ensuring community safety in DeLand.
The incident underscores the unfortunate reality of gun violence in local neighborhoods, highlighting the necessity for swift and efficient law enforcement responses to maintain public safety. As the investigation progresses, the DeLand Police Department remains dedicated to bringing the perpetrator to justice and providing closure for the victim’s loved ones. Collaboration between law enforcement and the community is crucial in addressing such incidents and preventing future tragedies from occurring in the area.