A fifteen-year-old male suspect is now in custody following a shooting near Florida A&M University that left twelve individuals injured during what should have been a festive homecoming weekend.
The Tallahassee Police Department announced Monday that detectives had apprehended the juvenile suspect Sunday evening. The teenager now faces eleven counts of attempted second-degree murder along with one count of possession of a firearm by a delinquent.
The shooting occurred Saturday evening at approximately 8 p.m. near the intersection of Perry and Manatee streets, in close proximity to the university’s Bragg Memorial Stadium. The timing coincided with homecoming celebrations, which included a football game that had drawn crowds to the area.
Among the twelve injured were several minors. An additional individual sustained an ankle injury while attempting to escape the gunfire, according to police reports.
Police Chief Lawrence Revell addressed the community regarding the arrest. “What should have been a weekend of celebration in our community instead became a night of fear and violence for the victims and their families,” Revell stated. He emphasized that while the arrest represents significant progress, the investigation remains active. “Our work is far from over. We remain committed to holding those responsible accountable and getting answers for every family impacted by this tragedy.”
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Florida A&M University issued a statement directing members of the campus community to avoid the area. The university clarified that the shooting occurred near campus rather than on university grounds, maintaining that the campus itself remained secure. “Our hearts are with the victims and everyone affected by tonight’s incident on Perry Street,” university officials stated.
Preliminary investigative findings have provided additional context to the incident. According to police, evidence suggests that a physical altercation preceded the gunfire. Authorities believe the shooting stemmed from a dispute between individuals who were known to one another prior to the incident.
Significantly, investigators have determined that none of the twelve injured parties appear to have been the intended targets of the shooting, raising concerns about the reckless nature of the violence and the danger posed to innocent bystanders.
The Tallahassee Police Department has indicated that additional arrests remain possible as the investigation continues. Detectives are working to piece together the complete sequence of events and identify any other individuals who may have played a role in the violence.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges communities face regarding youth violence and illegal firearm possession. As the investigation proceeds, authorities have urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and assist in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
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