HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A typically festive evening turned chaotic in Avon Park as a Christmas parade was marred by violence. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is delving into the details of a brawl that erupted during the event on Monday night, alongside a separate shooting incident that resulted in a 16-year-old being hospitalized.

Authorities have clarified that these incidents are unrelated.

“It’s truly regrettable that on a night meant to celebrate community spirit and unity, we experienced these two unfortunate events,” commented Scott Dressel, the Public Information Officer for the Sheriff’s Office.