3 Polk Teens Face Attempted Murder Charge, Drive-By Gang Shooting

POLK COUNTY, FL — Three Polk County teenagers face attempted murder charges after deputies accused them of a drive-by shooting that occurred Wednesday near Fern Road and Maggie Circle just outside Winter Haven, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.

One of the four victims, 22-year-old Kevin Marcel, told authorities he and three others were in front of a home in the area when a black Infiniti drove by. Authorities said all three people in the car were wearing ski masks. The car drove back at about 7:50 p.m. Police said a passenger shot a rifle out of the back passenger side window. In return, Marcel fired his handgun at the car. When the car was being shot at, it sped away and side-swiped a parked vehicle before it crashed at the intersection of Fern Road and Maggie Circle, according to investigators.

Following the crash, the suspects ran away but were shortly found by officers. Deshawn Williams, 18, of Winter Haven, who drove the stolen car was shot in his right knee, and on his right foot. His injuries weren't life-threatening, and after he was released from the hospital, he went to jail. The second suspect who rode in the backseat, Tyrone Berry, 19, of Haines City, was shot in his hip, and was last reported as in stable condition at the hospital. Zedarian Outsey, 17, of Haines City, didn't experience any injuries.

The four victims outside the house didn't experience injuries, detectives said. Marcel faces charges for possession of a firearm, according to the sheriff's office.

Investigators said multiple ammunition casings were found near the home, and by the crashed car. The rifle used from the passenger in the car was reported as stolen from Highlands County, deputies said.

"I am proud of my detectives for their work in getting these violent gang members off the street," Sheriff Grady Judd said. "I want to send a strong message to the community: this kind of violence will not be tolerated in Polk County. We will continue to do everything possible to keep our residents safe."

This case is one of 16 gang-related incidents that have occurred between two gangs, one from Winter Haven, and the other from Haines City.

The three suspects, face the following charges, according to officers:

• Attempted first degree murder
• Discharging a firearm in a vehicle
• Grand theft of a vehicle
• Grand theft of a firearm
• Armed burglary of a vehicle
• Violation of probation

Williams faces an additional charge of violation of probation.