‘We don’t feel safe:’ Orlando Washington Shores residents frustrated after latest shooting leaves 3 hurt

Victims had non-life-threatening injuries, police say

ORLANDO, Fla. – Officers are investigating a shooting that left three people injured Sunday afternoon, according to the Orlando Police Department.

Police responded to the 1500 block of Crooms Ave. in Washington Shores at 3:18 p.m. where they found two people with gunshot wounds, the department said.

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Officers were then dispatched to the 4200 block of Gaither St. at 3:23 p.m. — less than a mile away from the first scene — where they found one person shot, according to police.

Police said four males in a dark-colored SUV shot at the residence on Crooms Avenue. Two of the victims were taken to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Police said the third victim was grazed by a bullet and chose to drive to the Gaither Street residence and contact police.

Frustrated homeowners said the violence has to stop.

“Anytime you’ve got people driving by shooting, it’s not safe,” said Sonya Stevenson, who lives in Washington Shores.

More than a dozen evidence markers were at the scene as investigators searched for clues.

“Neighbors are telling me that it was a drive-by, and I’ve been here for 53 years and I’ve never experienced anything like that in my entire life,” Stevenson said.

Stevenson said she’s tired of having to duck for cover in her own community.

“It seems like every other week something is going on and we don’t feel safe right now,” she said.

Stevenson said she’s been working with the city of Orlando, the police and her commissioner, calling for more safety.

“I’ve asked for more patrolling, they can put some cameras up,” she said. “I don’t care. Whatever they need to do to make this area a little bit more user-friendly, safer for all of us.”

Orlando police originally said that four people were shot in two separate locations, but then updated their information on Monday.

Anyone with information on the shooting on Crooms Avenue Sunday should call Crimeline anonymously at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). They can also dial 911, or 321-235-5300 directly if they have any information on the incident or the dark-colored SUV.


About the Author:

Brandon, a UCF grad, joined the ClickOrlando team in November 2021. Before joining News 6, Brandon worked at WDBO.