Gun Violence Rising In Sarasota, Police Presence Increased: SPD

Sarasota FL

14 February, 2022

12:35 PM

Description

SARASOTA, FL — After seeing an increase in shootings in recent months, including a Feb. 6 shooting where two 16-year-olds fired into a crowd of children, killing a 17-year-old, and a fatal New Year's Eve shooting at a downtown pizzeria, Sarasota police will increase its presence of uniformed officers throughout the city. Using "intelligence-led policing," the Sarasota Police Department will focus most of its efforts in "high-crime areas," including the city's north district, Genevieve Judge, the agency's public information officer said. Interim Chief Rex Troche met with the department's Community Action Team officers Wednesday to discuss how the agency can use its resources to address the spike in shootings. "Residents and visitors can expect to see an increase of officers throughout the city of Sarasota where data shows a high rate of crime happening," Judge said. From Jan. 1 to Feb. 6, there were 11 cases with evidence of shots fired in Sarasota, according to data provided by SPD. During this time, there were four cases with victims shot and six victims total, including three killed. The city of Sarasota has already recorded more shooting deaths in the first five weeks of 2022 than it did in both 2018 and 2020, according to police data. (Sarasota Police) Though it's been just a little over a month into the new year, the city is on track to possibly outpace its shooting statistics from the last four years. In 2021, there were 53 cases with evidence of shots fired, 15 cases where victims were shot and 16 total victims, including five deaths. There have already been more gun-related deaths in Sarasota this year than in 2018 and 2020, which saw two and one deaths, respectively. Related Stories: 2nd Teen Charged In Fatal Shooting Of Sarasota 17-Year-Old: SPDMan Shot, Killed In New Year's Fight At Sarasota Pizzeria: Police14-Year-Old Boy Charged With Murder In Sarasota Shooting: PoliceMurder Suspect's Girlfriend Faces Accessory Charge: PoliceAckerman Park Shooter Taken Into Custody In NY: SheriffOvernight Shooting Injures Man In Sarasota: PoliceWould-Be Robber Shot, Killed At Sarasota Auto Shop: PoliceJealous Boyfriend Charged With Attempted Murder In Sarasota: SPDShooting Near Shopping Center Under Investigation: SheriffFatal Shooting Suspect Sought In Sarasota: PoliceTeenage Boy Shot, Killed Friday Night: Sarasota PoliceSarasota Shooting Suspect Charged With Attempted Murder: Sheriff