Police: Apopka man shot at neighbor, struck passing vehicle during argument

APOPKA, Fla. — A 43-year-old man was arrested Saturday after he shot at his neighbor during an argument and struck a passing vehicle, the Apopka Police Department said.

Neighbors Ronnie Bridges and Denroy Samuels got into an argument at their homes on Davis Court near South Park Avenue shortly before 7:15 p.m., Apopka police Officer Ashley Eller said.

Samuels told officers that during the argument Bridges pulled out a rifle and threatened him, so Samuels pulled out his own handgun in self-defense and the two exchanged gunfire, Eller said.

"A second victim, Rodricka Penn, called APD and reported her vehicle was struck by several rounds as she drove south on Park Avenue past Davis Court," Eller said. "She was uninjured." %

%

Investigators said an infant was also riding in Penn's car, but no one was injured in the shooting.

"Around 5 a.m., the Apopka metro SWAT team served a search warrant on the Bridges' residence," Eller said. "Bridges' rifle was not located and Bridges was not at the scene

Officers said they found spent shell casings, Samuels' gun at another home and other unspecified evidence.

Eller said Bridges was later found and arrested.

Bridges was booked into the Orange County Jail on a slew of charges, including attempted murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and aggravated assault. %

%

During a hearing Sunday morning, a judge ordered Bridges remain jailed without bail.

Court records said Bridges was previously sentenced to three years in prison for domestic battery and false imprisonment, but he was freed after seven months.

Records said he was also previously imprisoned for a year on drug charges in 2006.

Cox Media Group