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Shots fired as WFTV rides along with Sanford police Neighborhood Response Unit

SANFORD, Fla. — WFTV rode along with the Sanford Police Department's new "Neighborhood Response Unit" on Saturday night.

The new unit, made up of 10 officers and two supervisors, works during the overnight hours to catch what they call "urban terrorists," career criminals who are responsible for a string of drive-by shootings in the city.

Police said the shooters have been terrorizing innocent people all over Sanford.

Sanford officials announced the new response unit during a press conference on Friday. The first night on the streets for the 'Neighborhood Response Unit' was Saturday.

Less than 10 minutes into the ride along, an 18-year-old was caught with a loaded handgun. Officers found the gun during a pat down after stopping the teen for not having lights on his bicycle.

Later in the night, two men were arrested after officers in the unit saw evidence of a drug deal. The suspects' car was pulled over and marijuana and a stolen handgun were found in the vehicle.

Shortly after that, gunfire was heard and the unit was dispatched to possible shots fired.

"Urgent call, Zone 16... Caller heard two shots in her building," the police dispatcher said over the radio.

The unit's officers sped to the scene with their emergency lights on and sirens blaring. The incident ended in frustration after no shooters were found.

After just four hours on patrol, the 'Neighborhood Response Unit' made eight arrests, confiscated two guns and took drugs off the streets. By the morning, the unit had made 12 arrests and even recovered a stolen vehicle after a pursuit.