Fort Pierce police have confirmed that three shootings along Avenue L are connected and targeted, with investigators already identifying suspects as they work to develop probable cause for arrests. The shootings occurred on Tuesday, September 15 and twice more on Friday, September 18, striking several homes including one where a mother and her four children lived. Officers initially responded to the 3100 block of Avenue L at 9:07 p.m. on Friday, September 18, after receiving reports of shooting activity.
Major Mike Santiago said evidence shows all three shootings are related. The means and methods used, the types of weapons deployed, and other similarities connect the cases. Santiago said the homes and people involved have histories that investigators are using to develop the case and establish probable cause for arrests.
The mother whose home was struck three times within days said bullets entered her teenage son's bedroom during the Friday night shooting. Officers found at least 10 bullet holes in the front of the home, with several rounds penetrating walls and windows. The woman said she and her children immediately dropped to the ground as bullets flew through their home. She now plans to move her family out of the neighborhood as quickly as possible.
A neighboring home and another house across the street were also hit by gunfire. A 17-year-old girl who lives next door said she was outside when the gunfire erupted and narrowly escaped being struck. She fell to the ground during the shooting, and a bullet entered her home where she would have been standing. Bullet holes shattered the windows on the side of her home.
Police have increased patrols in the area and are asking anyone with information about the shootings or those involved to contact the Fort Pierce Police Department. No one was hurt in any of the shootings.