DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Daytona Beach police are stepping up patrols after two people were killed in two different shootings early Saturday.
"Two homicides in one night. That's too many," police Chief Craig Capri said. "We're going to start cracking down. Starting tonight."
The chief said the first shooting happened outside the Italian Pizza and Grill. He said Victoria Akers-Collins was trying to break up a fight when Michael Guardino, who she didn't know, shot her. He ran off after and is still missing.
Akers-Collins' friends and family are determined to find him. They said she was a kind and caring and loved her husband and son very much.
"My heart goes out to the woman's family and friends, but as far as Mike Guardino, I hope they get him," Taylor Holcomb said.
He grew up with Guardino and said it's sad to hear he's now wanted for murder.
"I think he's an idiot, personally," he said.
The second shooting happened just a couple of hours later. Capri said Allen Johnson was shot and killed in his car. He said Johnson tried to drive off to get help, but ended up crashing a few blocks away. Two people were with him at the time.
"We don't believe that they are suspects. We believe they are witnesses to this crime and they need to come forward," Capri said.
The chief said they're going to do whatever it takes to find both suspects, and he has a message for anyone up to no good.
"You're not going to come to our city and shoot people and kill people. It's unacceptable," he said.
Daytona Beach police said Guardino is wanted on homicide charges, and that a reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call 386-671-5219, or visit www.dbpd.us to submit an anonymous tip.