3 hospitalized following shooting at Florida apartment complex

HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Three people were hospitalized following a shooting at a Spring Hill apartment complex on Sunday night, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office said.

Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis said the shooting occurred around 7:40 p.m. at the Mariner Clay Apartments when a vehicle carrying five people came across the suspect, who began shooting at them.

The sheriff said it’s unclear what led up to the shooting.

“I’m not sure what, if any exchange occurred, but that individual started shooting at the vehicle. The vehicle, then of course, left the area at a high rate of speed and ended up [at the Mariner Commons Shopping Center],” he said.

Three of the five occupants in the vehicle were injured, the sheriff said. The car then sped away before ending up at the Publix in the Mariner Commons Shopping Center.

All three victims were taken to local hospitals, Nienhuis said. Their conditions are unknown.

The suspected shooter and two other people who were allegedly with the suspect at the apartment complex were taken into custody, according to the sheriff’s office .

“We believe it was one shooter, and I believe, within the last five minutes, we took that person into custody. So, if that does pan out and everything holds true that there was one shooter, there should be no more danger to the public,” Nienhuis said.

According to Nienhuis, the shooting originally came in as a possible active shooter; however, he believes that was the result of some victims running into the Publix located at 4158 Mariner Boulevard to receive help.

“The initial report came out that shots were fired and of course, we don’t know what we have until we get on scene and start talking to people,” he said.

Nienhuis confirmed the Publix was evacuated during the incident out of precaution.

During the investigation, deputies urged residents to remain indoors and advised the public to stay away from the active scene.

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