Gunman sought after fatal shooting in Apopka neighborhood

APOPKA, Fla. — A teenager was shot and killed in Apopka Monday afternoon, deputies said.

Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies said multiple shots were fired in the area of Old Apopka Road and 13th Street just before 2:30 p.m.

The teenager, who friends identified as Dre Bryant, was taken to the hospital where he died.

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Bryant’s girlfriend, who asked only to go by Sha, was steps behind him when the gunfire started in a field, but she didn’t see who opened fire.

“I was with him,” she said.

Deputies did not release additional information, but said there were multiple people in the area at the time of the gunfire and authorities need anyone with information to come forward.

They believe about 30 people were in a crowd when the victim was shot and that they all took off running as bullets flew.

Bryant fell near a playground and that was when witnesses realized he was hit.

Bryant’s friends said the teenager was targeted after ongoing problems in the neighborhood.

In an area known for violence, deputies are pleading for witnesses to talk, while the victim’s friends plead for an end to the gunfire.

“When it is going to stop? When is it going to be really too late? It’s too many kids,” said a woman, who was only identified as Tisha.

The shooting happened about a block away from a drug bust last week, in which 16 people, including a juvenile, were arrested.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Office or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.

Cox Media Group