POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Three teenagers were injured in a shooting early Sunday morning at the Azur Resort in Davenport, prompting a pointed response from Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. While the investigation is in its preliminary stages, Sheriff Judd made it clear that his office is committed to a thorough investigation and holding all responsible parties accountable.
Judd explained that the incident appears to be connected to after-prom gatherings following proms held in Orange County for Dr. Phillips and Jones High Schools on Saturday night. However, the three victims, a 17-year-old female, a 17-year-old male, and an 18-year-old male, are students at Osceola High School, which did not have its prom on Saturday.
The evening began with a call to the Wawa near the resort around 2:14 AM regarding a large, unruly crowd engaged in fights and theft.
Deputies arrived within six minutes but found the parking lot mostly empty, with the manager requesting the area be cleared due to the earlier chaos. No fights were observed by deputies or on video footage.
Approximately 30 to 45 minutes later, deputies began receiving calls about loud music and a party at the Azur Resort, a short-term rental property. At 3:38 AM, a call reported an active shooter.
Cell phone video footage shown during the press conference revealed a muzzle flash, believed to be from a .223 caliber rifle.
Judd detailed the chaotic scene, explaining that the three victims were in a car and were not involved in the apparent exchange of gunfire between at least three individuals. Investigators found 33 shell casings from three different firearms: .380, 9mm handguns, and a .223 rifle.
WATCH: Shots ring out in Davenport post-prom. (If the video is not displayed below, please view it here)
The 17-year-old female victim sustained graze wounds to her shoulder and forehead. The 17-year-old male suffered shrapnel in his eye, with the potential for permanent vision loss. The 18-year-old male received a minor graze on his forehead.
Judd emphasized that the victims had no criminal records and were not known to be troublemakers, stating they were simply “where they shouldn’t have been after midnight.”
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Judd expressed his frustration and anger at the situation, particularly the fact that over a hundred people were present, yet no one had come forward with information about the suspects. “How crazy is that? And we’re going to do our best, and we need help,” he urged.
Investigators have found evidence of bullets striking a second-floor apartment window, other apartments, and vehicles, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the shootout in a parking lot filled with young people.
Judd directed a strong message to parents, urging them to know their children’s whereabouts and ensure they are home by midnight after such events. He also appealed to the teenagers who were present to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously if they are hesitant to identify the shooters directly.
“What’s to stop that bullet from killing someone next Saturday night or next Friday night or the next time there’s a group of partiers that get together?” Sheriff Judd questioned.
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He also voiced his long-standing frustration with short-term rental owners who continue to rent to local young people for one-night parties, despite repeated warnings about the potential for such gatherings to escalate.
The investigation is ongoing, with detectives reviewing video footage to identify the suspects. Sheriff Judd assured the public that his office will pursue all leads and hold those who violated the law accountable, not only for the shooting but for any other related illegal activities.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
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