‘Armed and dangerous’ suspect sought in July 4 incident
Two more shootings have occurred in the Newtown community of north Sarasota this week, with one fatality reported and the other victim sustaining “non-life-threatening injuries,” the Sarasota Police Department has announced.
In the second, which occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on July 4, the agency has identified a suspect and is warning the public that the individual is considered to be “armed and dangerous.”
Cynthia McLaughlin, the public information officer for the Police Department, sent out the first advisory about that case just after 2:30 a.m. on July 4. Then, just before 11:30 a.m. on July 4, she sent out an urgent followup, writing that the “Sarasota Police Department is searching for Kevin Holloway, 54, in connection to the overnight homicide.” She added, “Detectives believe Holloway is responsible for the fatal shooting. He is facing charges of murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and two counts of aggravated assault.”
She stressed of Holloway, “If you see him, DO NOT approach. Call 911 right away.”
“Holloway was last seen driving a 2011 Nissan Altima with Florida tag CC1601,” McLaughlin wrote.
The shooting scenes this week were within close proximity of each other, as indicated by review of a map.
The first incident took place late in the afternoon of July 1, a Police Department news release said. It occurred near the 1800 block of 23rd Street “shortly after 3:00 p.m.” that day, the release added.
The second shooting happened “near the intersection of Dixie Avenue and 24th Street,” that news release said.
Both incidents appeared to be isolated, the Police Department reported, with no danger to the public indicated.
A Sarasota News Leader review of an aerial map found that the 1800 block of 23rd Street begins just east of the intersection of North Osprey Avenue. The location also is east of U.S. 301. Dixie Avenue intersects both 23rd and 24th streets.
As of the deadline for this publication of the News Leader, no further details were available about either case. The news releases reported that both incidents were under investigation.
By count of the News Leader, these were the seventh and eighth shootings in Newtown since Jan. 1. Prior to this week, the most recent shootings in that area occurred on May 24, near the 2800 block of North Lemon Avenue.
In response to concern that members of the public expressed in posts responding to the Police Department’s Facebook notice about that May incident, Chief Rex Troche emphasized that none of the shootings this year had been connected.
He added in that post, “it is important to remember that these do not represent a trend. Each situation is being thoroughly investigated, and we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
“We also want to emphasize that Sarasota remains a safe place to live, work, and visit,” Troche continued. “Our police department is working diligently to maintain public safety and address any criminal activities promptly.
In response to the Police Department’s Facebook post about the July 1 incident, one man wrote, “[Too] many shootings lately.” One woman responded, “Getting to be a usual thing in Sarasota.”
The Police Department is asking members of the public who might have any information about either incident to please contact the agency. People are asked to call the department’s non-emergency number, 941-316-1199, or to leave an anonymous tip with CrimeStoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or going online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.
