Sarasota Police Chief Asks For Help To End Pandemic Shootings

SARASOTA , FL — Sarasota Police Chief Bernadette DiPino has called on residents to help end gun violence following a series of 39 shooting incidents since the pandemic began.

“I’m concerned about the safety of our community and our officers,” DiPino said. “Gun violence impacts the physical and mental well-being of our citizens and police officers."

Sarasota police said they were investigating two separate shooting incidents this week but it was not clear if the incidents were related.

The first shooting occurred around 6:30 p.m. Sunday in the 3000 block of Old Bradenton Road, Sarasota.

"Witnesses told officers they were standing outside in a driveway when a gray Chrysler 300 drove by and an unknown person fired shots in their direction," according to the agency's Genevieve Judge. She said officers found shell casings and a live round along the road. There were no injuries.

The second shooting occurred shortly before 9 p.m. Monday in the 2800 block of Palmadelia Avenue where officers found a bullet hole in the side of a home.

"A bullet hit a frame inside the home and was found on the floor," Judge said. "Shell casings were found outside in the road." Judge said there were no injuries in that shooting incident.

But DiPino is concerned about the number of shootings that have taken place since a state of emergency was declared on March 13.

Six of the shooting incidents involved non-life threatening injuries, including one around 11:30 p.m. Aug. 1 when a police officer was exposed to the coronavirus while providing first aid during a block party in the 1700 block of 23rd Street. Some 200 people attended the party.

"We need the community’s help to end these shootings," DiPino added. "I am worried innocent children and bystanders who can be hurt by a stray bullet. The fear of serious harm is real.”

To report a tip, call the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 941-263-6070 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS. Alternatively visit www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.