Teenager arrested after shooting at Sarasota County Fair
SARASOTA, Fla. - Sarasota police say someone is now in custody after an 18-year-old male was seriously injured in a Saturday night shooting at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds.
The shooting happened around 10 p.m., leaving the victim with serious injuries. Authorities say he was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and was stable Monday morning after undergoing surgery Sunday. He is expected to survive.
PREVIOUS: Sarasota police increase security after 18-year-old shot at county fair
Early Monday morning, police announced the arrest of a 15-year-old in connection to the shooting. They say they are confident the suspect knew the victim and it "was not a random incident."
"We believe just based on our investigation and the numerous interviews that we’ve done over the last several days that this was a verbal argument that happened between two groups of people, and for whatever reason, escalated to the point where this 15-year-old suspect pulled out a gun and shot at an 18-year-old man, injuring him," explained police spokesperson Genevieve Judge.
The teen faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, culpable negligence, and brandishing a firearm in public.
Detectives say additional shots were fired in the parking lot afterwards, but it was not connected to the first shooting. Investigators believe someone fired a gun into the air; no one was hurt.
Meanwhile, police say they are "taking a more proactive role" in security at the fair. They're working with the private security company contracted by the Sarasota County Fair Board, which will be searching bags and using metal-detecting wands on entering attendees.
The fair opened on Friday and will end on March 28.