BRADENTON -- Barely two weeks before Christmas, A 31-year-old father of five was shot to death about 3:15 a.m. Sunday as he was stopped at an intersection attempting a left-hand turn.

The victim was identified as Rene Salinas. He is the 26th homicide victim of the year in Manatee County.

This was not a robbery, or a result of road rage, but was a senseless act of random violence, said Captain Warren Merriman of the Bradenton Police Department.

The shooting took place at the intersection of 27th Street and 13th Avenue East .

The victim was operating a vehicle stopped at the intersection, attempting to turn north on 27th Street East, when an unknown person discharged a firearm from a westbound vehicle, the Bradenton Police Department reported.

An unharmed passenger described the suspect vehicle as a light colored, 4-door sedan, which continued westbound on 13th Avenue East. Mr. Salinas sustained a single fatal gunshot wound, and was pronounced deceased at the scene, the police press release said.

Sunday afternoon, the intersection where the shooting had taken place was quiet. The crime scene is just a few blocks from Norma Lloyd Park and a Florida National Guard post. The Bradenton Police Department is continuing its investigation at this time, and is requesting the public’s help.

Anyone having information with regard to this case is asked to call any of the following: Bradenton Police Detective James Curulla at 941-932-9311, or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000, call Crime Stoppers (toll free) at 1-866-634-8477 (TIPS) or send an anonymous E-Tip through the web at www.manateecrimestoppers.com