Bystander hurt in shootout on U.S. 41 in Bradenton. Two suspects at large, cops say

A woman, a bystander in another vehicle, was shot in the head during a gun battle between two motorists on a busy Bradenton street Thursday afternoon, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. The woman was recovering at a local hospital, and deputies were looking for two suspects.

The shooting occurred on First Street (U.S. 41) near 26th Avenue West shortly before 1:45 p.m.

A several block long section of First Street was closed to traffic as investigators collected evidence, but it was reopened at about 3:45 p.m.

Deputies believe two male suspects in vehicles were in a shootout as they rode south on First Street, according to sheriff’s office spokesman Randy Warren.

As the suspects approached the intersection with 26th Avenue, shots were still being fired, according to Warren, and a bullet struck the head of a 50-year-old woman who was in a vehicle stopped at a traffic light.

The woman was was taken to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, where she was reported to be in stable condition.

Several other vehicles in the area were hit with bullets, including cars on a Firkins pre-owned lot, but no other injuries were reported.

Both suspects fled the scene. One is believed to have a made a U-turn and headed north on U.S. 41, while the other may have turned eastbound on 26th Avenue East. No identifying information was available for the suspects.

A related shooting had occurred moments before near a Race Trac gas station off of First Street in the city of Bradenton, according to the Bradenton Police Department. No one in the area was injured.

Anyone with information to report about the incident can call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011.

This story was originally published August 20, 2020 at 2:46 PM.