TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Ten people were shot outside a Florida bar early Sunday morning, according to authorities, and a teenager has been taken into custody.
Deputies in Seminole County were called to the Cabana Live in Sanford just after midnight for a crowd outside the bar, local outlet WESH reported.
A security guard tackled and disarmed the shooter almost immediately, and a second guard handcuffed him until sheriff’s deputies arrived, according to an arrest report from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.
A total of 10 people were hurt in the shooting, suffering non-life-threatening injuries. Deputies said most of the victims, treated at a local hospital, were shot in the lower body.
A 16-year-old has been taken into custody, according to the sheriff’s office. He was charged with attempted homicide, firing a weapon in a public place, using a firearm during a felony, and illegal possession of a firearm by a minor.
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Witnesses told law enforcement the shooting started after a fistfight broke out at the venue, about 20 miles north of Orlando. Someone who wasn’t involved in the melee drew a handgun and began firing toward a crowd of people, the arrest report said.
Two deputies who were assisting private security at the venue arrived soon after and arrested the teenager. The arrest report said they also recovered a 9mm handgun and spent shell casings that matched the bullets in the gun’s magazine.
A post on the Facebook page for Cabana Live said it was holding a private event when the shootings occurred and all of its employees were safe. A woman who answered the phone there Sunday afternoon said no one had further comment.
“We are cooperating with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and praying for all those involved,” the social media post said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A tragic incident that highlights the alarming rate of gun violence among the youth in our society. It’s disheartening to see such senseless acts of aggression leading to harm and fear in our communities. My thoughts are with the injured victims and their families during this difficult time.