POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd held a press conference Thursday morning to provide an update on a murder investigation in Mulberry.
A woman was tragically killed in a shootout between rival gang members in Mulberry early this morning, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
The incident occurred on Levins Road in the Willow Oak area. Sheriff Judd stated that the individuals involved were part of a “cranker colony” and engaged in the methamphetamine trade.
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An argument between Joshua Clark (known as “Chop”) and Jose Coronado (known as “Tweedy”), members of opposing gangs, escalated into a shootout.
During the exchange of gunfire, Mary Dino, 28, who was with Coronado, was shot in the chest by him by on accident and later died.
Coronado reportedly drove Dino to a nearby residence and told the occupants to take her to the hospital. He then fled the scene. Deputies later located Coronado and apprehended him after a pursuit.
Clark remains at large.
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Sheriff Judd emphasized that this tragic incident highlights the dangers associated with the drug trade and gang violence. He urged anyone with information about Clark’s whereabouts to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
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