PALATKA, Fla. — Police are searching for suspects after a man was shot in the face in Palatka Tuesday evening, according to the Palatka Police Department (PPD).

Detectives have found a vehicle in Marion County that was “possibly involved” in the shooting, according to PPD. Palatka detectives are working with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) to identify people inside a structure where the vehicle was found.

At approximately 11:15 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to St. Johns Avenue and College Road due to the report of gunfire, police said. Officers found a vehicle near the intersection that appeared to have run off the road and observed a man “alert and conscious” sitting in the driver’s seat with a gunshot wound to the face. The man was taken to a trauma center for his injuries, police said.

Officers recovered evidence at the scene and identified multiple persons of interest, PPD said.

MCSO deputies said around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday a crisis negotiation team and SWAT were in the area of SW 47th Avenue Road and SW 48th Avenue, assisting PPD’s investigation.

“Expect delays, drive cautiously, and follow directions provided by law enforcement personnel on scene,” MCSO stated in a social media post. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. Colten Lee or Detective Alisha Burger at 386-329-0115. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-888-277-8477.