Attempted murder suspect tells police ‘I had to shoot my friend’: WHPD

An argument between two men in Winter Haven turned deadly on Monday afternoon. 

According to the Winter Haven Police Department, 35-year-old Andre Sequan Harris called 911 shortly before 4:40 p.m. and said he "had to shoot my friend."

Man shot to death in Winter Haven

What we know: Winter Haven police and first responders from Winter Haven Fire Rescue went to Ave. H NW to investigate. 

Upon arrival, they said they began helping the victim who was lying on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds.

Polk County Fire Rescue ended up taking the victim to Winter Haven Hospital where he died from his injuries. 

Argument turned violent

The backstory: A witness told investigators that Harris and the victim had been arguing in the parking lot on the backside of the Ave H NW duplexes just before the shooting took place. 

The witness said Harris drove away in his black Ford F150 leaving the victim in the parking area.

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According to police, the victim walked to the front side of the duplex along Ave. H NW when Harris came back and asked the witness where the victim had gone. 

When he learned the victim walked to the Ave. H NW side of the duplex, police said Harris drove around and confronted the victim.

The witness, who went inside the duplex, told police they heard a spray of gunshots, two of which entered their home. Nobody inside of the residence was injured.

Andre Harris mugshot courtesy of the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Andre Harris mugshot courtesy of the Polk County Sheriff's Office. 

When detectives arrived, they said they found seven shell casings scattered across the roadway, along with two holes in the witness' residence directly in front of the scene. 

The victim was lying on the sidewalk directly next to the truck. 

Harris, who stayed at the scene, claimed that he and the victim had been arguing over money and some items that Harris had lent the victim.

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According to police, when Harris caught up with the victim the second time, he got out of his truck, got his AK-47 rifle and walked to the back of the truck.

The other side: Harris claimed that the victim, who is known to carry a K-bar knife in his sleeve, started to approach him with the knife extended. That’s when police said Harris fired the gun, striking the victim five times.

Once on scene, officers said they found the victim with the knife still tucked into his sleeve and not extended as Harris claimed. 

What they are saying: "It is a miracle that innocent bystanders were not injured or worse with this reckless behavior," said Police Chief Vance Monroe. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim's family as they face the future without their loved one. I am extremely proud how our officers and detectives worked diligently for a swift resolution to this case bringing justice to the victim's family."

Suspected shooter arrested and charged

Harris is being charged with one count of manslaughter, shooting into a dwelling and discharge of a firearm in a residential area. He is being held without bond. 

The Source: This story was written with information provided by the Winter Haven Police Department. 

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