Investigators searching for man who shot into vehicle, injuring two

Polk County investigators are looking for a man they believe fired shots at three men over the weekend while another man is in jail on several charges in connection with the incident that left a teenager dead.

The three men were shot around 7:45 p.m. Monday, on Tennessee Road in the Wabash area of unincorporated Lakeland while in a white Cadillac, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators said in a news release Wednesday that John Lugo, 29, of Lakeland, fired shots at those inside the vehicle and issued a warrant for his arrest for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Dario Trejo, 18, and Jose Tinoco, 24, both of Lakeland, were struck by bullets and taken to a hospital to be treated for wounds to the upper torso and lower left jaw, respectively. Trejo has been released , and Tinoco was listed in stable condition. A third person in the vehicle was not injured, according to the sheriff’s office.

Trejo was arrested and charged with seven counts of possession of Xanax, tampering with evidence, both felonies, and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the sheriff’s office. He is currently being held without bond in the Polk County Jail.

Jake Castillo, 17, was found in a home on Tennessee Road. He had been shot and later died at a hospital from his injuries, according to the sheriff’s office.

A witness told investigators the white Cadillac drove past the home, turned around, slowly approaching the home, and shots were fired from the outside the home and inside the vehicle, according to the release. The vehicle then went into a ditch not far from the home, and Lugo ran from the scene.

Those with information about the shooting or the whereabouts of Lugo are asked to call call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477), or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.

The investigation is ongoing and further charges are expected, according to the sheriff’s office.

This story was originally published July 5, 2017 at 6:20 PM with the headline "Investigators searching for man who shot into vehicle, injuring two."