Crime & Public Safety
Arrest Made in Bradenton Double-Shooting on 12th Avenue East
Bradenton police arrested a 34-year-old man in connection with a Sept. 22 shooting that left two men dead in the 12th Avenue East, authorities say. Officers responded to a reported shooting about 6:20 p.m. and located two adult male victims near the end of a dead-end road; one was pronounced dead at the scene and the other died while being transported to a hospital.
According to the Bradenton Police Department, the shooting followed a continuing dispute among the suspect and the two victims. Witnesses told officers that the three met on 12th Avenue East, a physical altercation began, and that the suspect fired several shots toward one of the victims. The agency says both victims were struck and later died.
Police say the arrested man faces two counts of second-degree murder with a firearm. Investigators report the suspect had been in jail since Sept. 26 on separate drug-related warrants. During a detective interview, the suspect acknowledged knowing the victims but denied participating in the shooting, per the department.
Bradenton Police are handling the investigation and ask anyone with information to contact Detective Brian Sands at brian.sands@bradentonpd.com. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Manatee Crime Stoppers at manateecrimestoppers.com. Current charges and custody status are reported by the department.
All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.