Police Department seeking information from the public
This week, yet another shooting occurred in the city of Sarasota, though this one took place not in the Newtown community but in the 2100 block of Waldemere Street, the Sarasota Police Department said.
No injuries were reported, the department added.
The latest incident occurred shortly before 4:30 a.m. on July 18, the agency said. “No arrests have been made at this time,” the 7:55 a.m. advisory added.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation and no further details can be shared at this point,” the advisory also pointed out.
As The Sarasota News Leader reported last week, through July 9, the Police Department had handled 10 shootings in the Newtown community in north Sarasota.
The 2100 block of Waldemere Street is east of U.S. 41 — and therefore east of the Sarasota Memorial Hospital complex, a map shows. The block begins just east of the South East Avenue intersection with Waldemere, the map indicates. Single-family homes dominate the block, the map also shows.
As in the aftermath of other recent shootings in Sarasota, members of the public responded to the news on the Police Department’s Facebook page, questioning why so many of these incidents have been taking place. In the early afternoon of July 18, the News Leader found the following among those comments:
- “What is going on with all of these shootings? Gang related? Sarasota used to be safe
- “Lots of shootings lately
- ” Another one
- “What’s going on with Sarasota nowadays?”
In accord with its standard practice, the Police Department is asking for help from any members of the public who may have knowledge about the Waldemere Street shooting.
“If you have any information, you are asked to call our non-emergency number at 941-316-1199,” the July 18 advisory said. “Or, if you prefer, leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or going online to www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.