PARRISH, Fla. – Manatee County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating a Sunday afternoon shooting in the Summerwoods subdivision that left a 17-year-old boy critically injured. Authorities say the incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. and stemmed from a drug transaction.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the investigation revealed that a 17-year-old male and a 16-year-old female were in a vehicle in the Summerwoods area with the intention of purchasing narcotics. Detectives stated that during the attempted drug deal, the two teens were approached by a young male and female. The male suspect then allegedly shot the 17-year-old driver in his left arm.
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Following the shooting, the suspects fled the scene on foot. The injured teen and the 16-year-old female in the vehicle drove away and subsequently flagged down a nearby sheriff’s deputy for assistance.
The 17-year-old victim was airlifted to a Tampa hospital where he underwent surgery. Authorities reported that he is in critical condition but is expected to make a full recovery.
A break in the case came when a witness informed deputies that a person matching the description of one of the suspects was seen behind their residence in a wooded area, and that they had observed the individual discarding a backpack.
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Deputies located the backpack in the woods and discovered a handgun and clothing that matched the initial descriptions of the suspects. Utilizing K-9 units and establishing a perimeter, law enforcement officers successfully apprehended both suspects, who were identified as teens.
The 16-year-old male alleged to have been the shooter has been arrested and charged with attempted murder. He has been transported to the Manatee Juvenile Booking Facility. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
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