Hours after Florida’s win against FAU, pedestrians on West University Avenue ran to the nearest safe haven at the sharp sound of gunfire at 2 a.m. Sunday. One victim suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
Gainesville Police Department responded to multiple shots fired Sept. 5 at 238 W. University Ave. near downtown. After arriving to the scene, GPD began treating the victim who collapsed at Northwest First Avenue almost immediately after the shooting, according to a department release.
“People began fleeing,” GPD spokesperson Graham Glover said. “Almost immediately thereafter, a victim came within sight of GPD officers [and] cried out for help.”
Minutes later, ambulances arrived and the victim was taken to UF Health Shands Hospital’s Trauma Unit with life-threatening injuries, Glover said. The victim died that morning.
The incident comes after a string of gun-related incidents throughout the city that has now claimed five lives this year. GPD Chief Tony Jones revealed a plan on Aug. 19 to avoid gun-related incidents.
As of 12:49 p.m., GPD is not aware of who is responsible or why the incident occurred. GPD’s Criminal Investigations Division is asking anyone who has information to contact 352-393-7710 or 352-393-7659. For anonymity, contact the Alachua County Crime Stoppers at 352-372-7867.
“We're really asking for the public's help in helping us understand what happened, who might have been involved and give us some leads that can bring the person or persons responsible to justice,” Glover said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Contact Isabella Douglas at idouglas@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter @Ad_Scribendum
Isabella Douglas is a fourth-year journalism major and the Fall 2023 editor-in-chief for The Alligator. She has previously worked as the digital managing editor, metro editor, criminal justice reporter and as a news assistant. When she isn't reporting, she can be found reorganizing her bookshelf and adding books to her ever-growing TBR.
