A quiet Sumter County neighborhood turned tense on Tuesday as deputies combed the area for an 18-year-old they say opened fire during a domestic incident, spraying gunfire at multiple people near Northeast 9th Street and County Road 222. The Sumter County Sheriff's Office described the suspect as armed and dangerous and urged residents to stay away from the search area while investigators canvassed homes and yards.
Who Deputies Are Looking For
Deputies identified the suspect as 18-year-old Quamariyontae Harris. He is described as about 5 feet 8 inches tall and was last seen wearing black shorts, a black jacket, and a camouflage mask. Investigators say Harris may be carrying a long rifle and that he fired a weapon during the domestic incident, according to FOX 35 Orlando.
Where Deputies Searched
Law enforcement officials said deputies focused their search around the intersection of Northeast 9th Street and County Road 222, setting up a perimeter and going door to door as they looked for the suspect and potential witnesses. The Sumter County Sheriff's Office asked people in the area to stay inside and to report any sightings or tips only through official channels, per the Sumter County Sheriff's Office.
Warrants And Legal Status
According to officials, Harris already has active warrants that include kidnapping and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and investigators are treating the case as an active, high-risk investigation. Deputies said they were still working to determine whether anyone was actually struck by gunfire during the incident, as reported by FOX 35 Orlando.
How To Report Tips
Authorities are urging anyone who believes they have seen Harris to keep their distance and call 911 immediately rather than trying to intervene. Tipsters can also contact the Sumter County Sheriff's Office tip line at 352-793-2621. The agency maintains a non-emergency number and an online tip portal, and deputies asked the public to use those official options to share any information that could help bring the search to a safe conclusion, per the Sheriff's Office.
