Was it road rage? Detectives investigating deadly shooting at Manatee intersection
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide that happened late Tuesday morning at Seventh Avenue West and 50th Street Court West in Bradenton, according to a news release.
A man around 30 years old was found lying in the roadway by deputies with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff’s office reported.
A 23-year-old suspect is currently in custody with charges pending, according to the Sheriff’s Office. A witness told detectives that the suspect drove up behind the victim before abruptly stopping. Both men got out of their vehicles before the suspect fired multiple shots at the unnamed male, according to the MCSO report.
The suspect then returned to his vehicle and drove away. He was located a few blocks away, the sheriff’s office said.
Neighbors described a close-knit community where residents interact with one another everyday. They said they’re grateful that homeowners weren’t caught in the crossfire.
“It’s just stupid road rage. That kind of stuff doesn’t happen in this neighborhood,” said another resident who declined to share his name.
Speaking with the Bradenton Herald on Tuesday afternoon, neighbors said they heard the gunshots from inside their homes. One resident was able to capture the entire incident on his video doorbell.
Another man said he was working in his backyard and came to the front of his house when he heard cars speeding down the street.
Ginger Moore, who lives five houses down from the intersection where the shooting happened, said she was shocked to hear that someone was shot dead in the neighborhood.
“My husband and I were just talking about how quiet and nice it is here,” she said. “I hope we never have to see anything like this ever again. This isn’t a neighborhood like that.
Investigators said it is still unclear how the altercation started or whether the two men knew one another.
The victim’s body was still at the scene at 3 p.m. ET. A sheriff’s office investigation is ongoing.
This story was originally published October 12, 2021 at 3:06 PM.
