Eight shot, two critical after gunfire at family gathering in Sanford, Florida

Eight adults were shot Saturday night at a social gathering on 10th Street in Sanford, Florida. Two remain in critical condition; police are still searching for the suspect or suspects.

Gunfire erupts at Sanford street gathering, eight adults shot

Eight people were shot when suspects opened fire into a crowd at a family gathering in Sanford, Florida, wesh.com reports. Two of the victims remain in critical condition.

The shooting occurred at approximately 9:54 p.m. on Saturday near 10th Street and Poplar Avenue in Sanford, a city in Seminole County north of Orlando. Officers responding to a 911 call found multiple adults with gunshot wounds at the scene.

The gathering was taking place on the street when shots were fired into the crowd. Police spokeswoman Officer Nicole Brown said reports of a possible block party had circulated, but described the event as a social gathering among family members. All eight victims were adults.

Sanford police initially reported at least six victims. The Seminole County Sheriff's Office confirmed on Sunday that the number of wounded had risen to eight, including two who remain in a critical condition.

Authorities have not yet identified who opened fire or established a motive. Officer Brown indicated there may have been multiple shooters, though that has not been confirmed. Police characterised the shooting as an apparent isolated incident.

"Our investigators are still working diligently to understand what caused someone to commit such a violent act," Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith said in a statement. "We need our community to stand together, and if anyone has any additional information, please come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sanford Police Department or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)