SARASOTA, Fla. – One person, an 18-year-old teenager is recovering from a gunshot wound he suffered at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds.
The shooting happened last night at 10 p.m. and the teenager is now recovering in serious but stable condition after undergoing surgery. It happened on the third night of the Sarasota County Fair.
“Saturday night’s shooting is believed to have happened after an altercation between two groups of people. The victim, an 18-year-old man, was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and is in stable condition,” the Sarasota Police Department said.
The believed shooter is not in custody, but police do not believe there is any further risk posed to the general public.
Today, the department announced it will be increasing security at the fair.
“The Sarasota Police Department appreciates members of our community coming forward with information and video reference to Saturday night’s shooting at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds,” the department said. “The Sarasota Police Department takes the safety and security of our community extremely seriously.”
The police department is now working closely with the Sarasota County Fair Board to ensure the safety of guests as the fair continues through March 28th.
“Our agency is continuing to partner with the Sarasota County Fair Board to keep the fair a safe environment for everyone. The fair remains open on their scheduled hour,” they said. “We have extra Sarasota Police officers on patrol at the fairgrounds to continue to keep you and your families safe. The Sarasota Police Department is increasing their uniformed and operational presence at the Sarasota County Fair and will coordinate and take a more proactive role in the execution of the security plans for the Sarasota County Fair for duration of the event.”
Sarasota News on Shore News Network
Drunk driver plowed head-on into Sarasota Sheriff’s Deputy Vehicle on I-75
Sarasota deputy shoots suicidal gunman
Sarasota man survives being shot at two-dozen times, police searching for suspect
Woman Arrested for Attempted Murder with Machete in Sarasota
The security plans have been developed with input from the private security company contracted by the Sarasota County Fair Board, as well as, Sarasota County Fair personnel with the goal of making the Sarasota County Fair safe and enjoyable for everyone. The private security company contracted by the Sarasota County Fair Board will be searching bags and using wands on patrons prior to admittance to the Sarasota County Fairgrounds. The Sarasota Police Department has no evidence that this was an active shooter situation and there is no direct threat to the public.The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with any information or video of the incident is asked to call the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6070.