Location close to site of July 5 shooting, map shows
Shortly after 6 a.m. on Sunday, July 21, Sarasota Police Department officers responded to a call about shots having been fired in the 1800 block of 23rd Street in Sarasota, the agency announced in a news release.
“Fortunately, no injuries have been reported at this time,” the release pointed out. Although no suspects were in custody, the release noted, “The public is not in danger.”
By count of The Sarasota News Leader, this was the 11th shooting to take place in the Newtown community of Sarasota since Jan. 1. The most recent incidents prior to this one occurred on July 5 and July 9, the Police Department reported. In each of those cases, the agency said, an adult victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The July 21 shooting happened in close proximity to the one that occurred on July 5; the scene of the latter incident was the 1800 block of 20th Street, the Police Department noted. Like the July 5 incident, the site of the July 21 shooting was east of North Orange Avenue and west of Dixie Avenue and U.S. 301.
As in the aftermath of the incidents that took place earlier this month, a number of individuals posted comments on the Police Department’s Facebook page in response to the July 21 shooting.
One woman wrote on July 21, “I’m so afraid that one of these days we’re gonna hear about a kid or multiple kids getting injured in the crossfire or Officers getting injured responding to all of these shootings. I also worry that SPD is being possibly baited to respond to these calls and that something will happen to Officers. It’s scary to think about.”
She added, “Need to get some drones going in the areas of higher crime like they do in other cities in areas of high crime. Or better yet, ideally, SPD needs their own helicopter. (The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has two helicopters; it does use them on numerous occasions in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies in the county.) I don’t know about the budget and funding,” the woman continued, “but it’s definitely getting to that point it seems. Praying for SPD’s safety and the safety of that area with all the shootings lately.”
Another woman took issue with the Police Department’s assertion that the public was in no danger as a result of the July 21 incident. She wrote, “Why do yall keep posting ‘the public is not in danger’ when there’s a lunatic on the loose, not in custody, pulling the trigger out in public??
“It makes no sense!” she added.
“And so if there’s no danger, then it’s not wrong or dangerous to go around shooting guns,” the writer continued.
“And then there’s no reason for an investigation or to look for the person if it’s not dangerous,” she added.
“Make up your mind!” she concluded that post.
One man wrote, “Who would be more likely to have information about who the shooter was? The Police, who get there after the fact , OR the people who live in that area, street, apartment? personally I would be more afraid NOT to speak up……It’s time…..”
Yet another individual, who indicated that she is a resident of the affected area, wrote, “[I]t’s drug dealing kids shooting each other.”
The July 21 Police Department news release did point out, “We are actively investigating the incident and appreciate any tips from the public that may help identify the individuals involved. If you SEE something, SAY something.”
The release asked that anyone with information call the agency’s non-emergency number at 941-316-1199. “Or, if you prefer,” it said, “leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers of Sarasota by calling 941-366-TIPS or going online to www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.