Two drive-by shootings shook Eustis on Thursday night, hitting homes less than two miles apart and unfolding within roughly 90 minutes of each other. Police say no one inside the first house was hurt, but investigators later recovered dozens of shell casings and served a search warrant that turned up a rifle and ammunition. Officers say five people have been identified in connection with the violence, three arrests have been made so far, and one suspect has been publicly named on a first-degree charge tied to shooting into an occupied dwelling.
What police say
According to ClickOrlando, the first round of gunfire erupted at 701 E. Hazzard Ave. when someone in a white Nissan opened fire on the residence. Police said no one inside or outside the home was hit.
While officers were still working that scene, a second drive-by was reported at 1502 E. Lakeview Ave., near the intersection with Orange Court. Investigators found about 30 spent 9mm casings scattered in the area, ClickOrlando reported.
Not long after, officers stopped a white Chevrolet Camaro. Inside, they found three underage girls who told detectives they had been “hanging out” with a man linked to the white Nissan, according to ClickOrlando.
Search warrant and arrests
Detectives say the shootings trace back to an earlier dispute involving teens at Carver Park, as reported by Inside Lake. Investigators have arrested 15-year-old Malachi Aiden Hughes and 18-year-old Jordan Larry Hayes on charges that include aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and shooting into an occupied dwelling.
As part of the case, detectives executed a search warrant at a home tied to the investigation and seized an AR-15-style rifle, a mounted gun laser and ammunition, Inside Lake reported. Police told the outlet they have identified all five suspects and expect more arrests as the probe continues.
Suspect publicly identified
ClickOrlando reported Friday night that 20-year-old Elijah Hood has been identified as a suspect. He faces a charge of principal in the first degree in the shooting of an occupied dwelling. The outlet also reported that a 2021 white Nissan tied to the incidents has been recovered and that three arrests have been made while detectives continue searching for the remaining suspects.
Local context
The back-to-back shootings land in a community already on edge about drive-by gunfire. Last July, a 14-year-old was wounded in a separate drive-by, WFTV reported, and neighbors told the station the recurring gunfire had them living in fear. Police have not released a motive for this week’s shootings and say the investigation is still active.
Investigation ongoing
According to Inside Lake, investigators expect additional arrests and more charges as they track leads and interview witnesses. Officials have not released any further details.
