Four separate shootings occurred in Daytona Beach over the weekend, raising concerns during the busy Spring Break period. Despite the alarming incidents, authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
The first incident took place at The Joint club around 12:30 a.m., where a suspect fired a gun but fortunately, no one was hit. Just minutes later, at 12:44 a.m., an 18-year-old man from Gainesville was shot at 244 N. Nova Road and is currently in stable condition.
Another victim was found with two gunshot wounds at Kingston Avenue and Flinders Avenue, while a 19-year-old woman from Atlanta was shot during a large fight at 2 S. Atlantic Avenue. Sheriff Mike Chitwood emphasized that there were “zero gunshots on the beach,” indicating that the incidents were isolated.
In a related note, Sheriff Chitwood mentioned that some individuals were crushing water bottles to mimic the sound of gunshots, which may have contributed to the panic among the crowds. A total of 133 arrests were made over the weekend, with 84 occurring in Daytona Beach and 49 in New Smyrna Beach.
Authorities do not believe the shootings are connected to the reports of massive crowds, and they are urging anyone with information regarding the incidents to contact the Daytona Beach Police Department. Sheriff Chitwood remarked, “People might not want to hear this, but everybody we came into contact with was polite,” reflecting on the overall behavior of the crowds despite the violence.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments, but the community is urged to remain vigilant as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding these shootings.
