SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A Seminole County Sheriff’s Office deputy shot and killed an armed man early Saturday morning during a block party in the Midway community, but nearly three days later, residents are still waiting for answers about what led to the deadly confrontation.
The sheriff’s office says the incident began just after 1 a.m. Saturday in the 2200 block of Sipes Avenue, where a large block party was underway. Deputies initially responded to a noise complaint and attempted to disperse the crowd when a deputy found himself caught in the middle of an “active and rapidly evolving situation involving gunfire.”
[WATCH: Deputy shoots, kills armed man at Sanford block party]
According to the sheriff’s office, early information gathered by investigators indicates two shooters were involved. The deputy opened fire after one of the armed individuals began shooting. The armed subject was struck and later transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Two other people at the scene sustained non-life-threatening injuries. No deputies were injured.
Our News 6 team spent Monday knocking on doors along Sipes Avenue, looking for anyone who witnessed what happened or knew who was involved. No one agreed to speak on camera.
The sheriff’s office has not released the name of the deputy or the man who was killed. It also has not said what prompted the block party, how many people attended, or what specifically led to the exchange of gunfire.
When News 6 followed up with the sheriff’s office Monday and asked about the claim that two shooters were involved, we were told no additional information was available at this point.
Emory Green Jr., executive director of the Midway Coalition, Inc., issued a statement Monday expressing the organization’s concern for those affected.
“We are deeply saddened by the recent shooting and the impact it has had on our community,” Green said. “Our heartfelt prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this tragic event.”
Green acknowledged the weight of the moment while urging residents not to let the incident define the community.
“While this incident does not define our community, it serves as a reminder that we must continue addressing the root causes of violence,” he said. “We encourage anyone with relevant information related to this incident to cooperate with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation.”
Green also pointed to the coalition’s ongoing work and invited residents to take part in the next steps.
“The Midway Coalition remains committed to working with stakeholders and faith leaders to foster safe environments and provide positive opportunities for the children and families we serve,” Green said. “We encourage all concerned citizens to attend our next Monthly Residents Meeting on Thursday, July 2nd, at the Midway Safe Harbor Center.”
The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office has requested that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conduct an independent investigation into the deputy-involved shooting — a standard practice in Florida for incidents of this nature.
The sheriff’s office has stated it believes the shooting was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. In its statement, the agency said the deputy’s actions “likely saved lives by immediately stopping an armed individual who was actively firing at a large gathering.”
News 6 continues to push for more details as the investigation unfolds.