Suspect Sought After 1 Injured In Ramada Hotel Shooting: Sheriff

SARASOTA, FL — One person was shot and injured in the parking lot of the Ramada by Wyndham Sarasota Waterfront hotel Monday afternoon, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Around 2:40 p.m., a 34-year-old man and two friends drove to the hotel, which is located at 7150 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, to meet up with another friend.

Minutes after he pulled into the parking lot, the shooter, a heavyset man in his late 30s, exited his vehicle and approached the victim, asking him to roll down his window. When the victim complied, the suspect revealed a firearm, shooting him once, MCSO said.

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The victim, whose name is being withheld, drove away from the hotel and pulled into the parking lot of the CVS pharmacy at 6204 14th Street W. in Bradenton, where he called 911.

After deputies responded, he was brought to Blake Medical Center for treatment. He’s in stable condition and expected to recover, MCSO said.

Detectives believe the shooting wasn't a random incident. The investigation is ongoing.

The shooter was driving a dark-colored Crown Victoria resembling a police vehicle, MCSO said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 941-747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS (8477).