Sarasota County deputies are piecing together what happened after late-night gunfire broke out along the busy U.S. Highway 41 Bypass in Venice, turning a stretch of roadway into an active crime scene Sunday.
The shooting was reported in the 800 block of the bypass at about 10:46 p.m., according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and led Venice police to conduct a traffic stop tied to the incident on the same roadway.
As reported by Tampa Bay 28, investigators with the Sheriff’s Office say they have identified people of interest, and the agency’s Criminal Investigation Unit is now handling the case. Officials are describing the shooting as an isolated incident and say there is no ongoing threat to public safety. The victim’s condition was not included in the initial report.
Investigators Ask For Tips
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have seen or heard anything around the time of the shooting to contact its Criminal Investigation Section at 941-861-4900 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 941-366-TIPS (8477), according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Unit plan to review surveillance footage and gather witness statements in an effort to reconstruct what unfolded along the bypass. For residents who prefer not to speak directly with deputies, Crime Stoppers also accepts tips online.
Where Things Stand
The vehicle stop carried out by Venice police happened on the bypass after deputies determined a car was connected to the shooting, Tampa Bay 28 reported.
Investigators say the case remains very much active, with more information expected as evidence is processed and witnesses are interviewed. As of early Monday, no arrests or charges had been announced.
