Teenager Shot in Avon Park Amid Nearby Parade Chaos

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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.

In related news, a suspect involved in the Ybor crash has tested positive for alcohol and marijuana and is now facing 36 charges.

Footage captured by an onlooker reveals deputies apprehending an individual shortly after a fight erupted near the Pour House on Main Street.

The PIO said several people got into a disagreement and the fight poured out onto the sidewalk. The video shows two people being detained. Dressel said one person was injured. He said no arrests have been made but charges are coming.

Then around 9 p.m. near Lassiter Street and South Delaney Avenue, deputies were called to a shooting.

“Heard a couple of gunshots. Probably at least eight, nine, maybe 10. I look out the window, first thing I see is two people running across the parking lot,” said Manny Ortiz, who lives in the neighborhood.

A woman who spoke anonymously said she could hear the shots from her bedroom as well.

“Then after a while, you heard someone screaming that someone was laid out on the floor,” she said.

Deputies said they arrived and found the 16-year-old boy shot, lying in the street. After he was flown to the hospital, they said he was in critical but stable condition.

“Avon Park has had several shootings over the past few years. It’s one of our focus areas,” Dressel said. “That’s something we deal with here, is some of the street violence. And it’s a focus that we have that we try to prevent and that preventing something like that comes with help from the community”.

Tuesday, deputies were seen speaking with neighbors and walking around the area where the shooting happened. There is no information on suspects at this time. Deputies don’t know if this was targeted, but they said they continue to follow up with witnesses.

“It’s just not right to see that kind of stuff going on, you know, especially with a 16-year-old kid,” Ortiz said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call 863-402-7250 or email detectives@highlandssheriff.org.

Anyone with information about the fight is asked to call 863-402-7200, option 1.

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Teenager Shot in Avon Park Amid Nearby Parade Chaos

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Teenager Shot in Avon Park Amid Nearby Parade Chaos

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