A man died after being shot in a downtown Gainesville parking garage early May 1.
Gainesville Police Department responded to a call after shots were fired May 1 at 105 SW 3rd St., near How Bazar and High Dive, around 2 a.m., according to a press release. GPD is interviewing people to identify and arrest the shooter.
As of Sunday afternoon, no arrests have been made.
The shooting stemmed from an argument between two groups in the garage, according to the release. The victim, who was involved in the argument, was hit by gunfire.
A bystander was helping the victim when officers arrived on the second floor of the garage. Officers began performing first aid before EMS arrived, according to the release. The victim was declared dead at UF Shands Hospital.
This was the second homicide in Gainesville this year, Glover said.
Gainesville will be increasing its nighttime security patrol in the garage on Thursdays through Sundays from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., according to the Interim City Manager Cynthia Curry. The city will also be improving the camera and lighting systems in the garage.
Access to the garage will now be limited on Thursdays through Sundays from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. The garage entryway on SW 2nd St. will not be open during those times and the entryway on SW 3rd St. will be closed to all except those who have parking garage permits. In her statement, Curry said — with the exception of these times — those with parking permits for the garage will still have 24/7 access from both streets.
Glover said GPD interviewed others who were on the scene and urges anyone who has information regarding the shooting to contact 352-393-7719. For anonymity, contact Crime Stoppers at 352-377-4141.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Contact Omar at oateyah@alligator.org. Follow him on Twitter @OAteyah.
Omar Ateyah is a third-year journalism student and the Alligator's Race and Equity reporter. He previously served as the Alligator's crime reporter and as a news assistant on the Metro Desk. He enjoys going on long, thoughtful walks.
