Crime
10 people injured in Florida drive-by shooting
"We have reason to believe that this was a targeted event. That it was not a random act," police said
January 30, 2023 8:55pm
Updated: February 3, 2023 7:26pm
At least 10 people were shot on Monday afternoon in a drive-by shooting in Lakeland, Florida, authorities said.
A dark-blue Nissan sedan with temporary tags opened fire at around 3:45 p.m. near Iowa Avenue North and Plum Street, in what appears to be a targeted attack, according to Lakeland Police Department Chief Sam Taylor. The vehicle sped off after the shooting.
"We have reason to believe that this was a targeted event. That it was not a random act," Taylor said.
The victims were all men aged between 20 and 35. At least two of those injured are in critical condition and are expected to undergo surgery after receiving a gunshot to the stomach and the other to the face.
The rest of the victims had non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the hospital in personal vehicles.
"This is something that doesn't happen in Lakeland," said Taylor. "It actually saddens me to some extent that, we consider ourselves to be a small town situated between Tampa and Orlando, and when stuff like this happens, it just kind of hits home with me a little bit. Maybe we're not a small town anymore."
Police believe there were four shooters inside the car. No arrests have been made so far, but authorities are actively looking for the vehicle.
“We will be out most of the night trying to figure out who these individuals are in the vehicle,” Taylor said.
