Breaking News

Titusville man driving to church choir practice killed by stray bullet, shooter still sought, police say

TITUSVILLE, Fla. — A man on his way to church choir practice was shot and killed by a stray bullet after Titusville police said people in two cars shot at each other all over a Titusville neighborhood Tuesday evening with police cordoning off several blocks.

The shooting occurred around 5:40 p.m. on South Deleon Avenue, and officers swarmed the area.

Police said the two gunmen were both in white cars and were shooting at each other while driving up and down the street.

Read: Man shot after using ax to bust through deputy’s back door at Orange County home, Sheriff’s Office says

“(It) looked to be exchanging gunfire for whatever reason,” Titusville police Cmdr. Jeff King said. “During that time there was another party traveling northbound on Deleon Avenue which was struck by the gunfire and subsequently crashed.”

Police said the innocent driver, identified as Rickie Gilbert, 62, who fellow parishioners said was on his way to St. James AME Church, died.

“We’re very upset about this,” said parishioner Dwayne Johnson. “It’s just no way to describe it. Bad things happen to good people. That’s the only thing I can say.”

Police said Gilbert crashed his car on Deleon Avenue after being shot.

“I wish they’d find out who did this ’cause he was a good man. He was a family man, I mean he loved his wife and kids. He did all he could for them,” parishioner Joseph Ledet said.

A second injured victim showed up at the hospital, but it’s unclear what role that person may have played.

Read: Deputies: Possible murder-suicide under investigation at Orange County home

“We have somewhat of a handle on the general story of what took place and who may be involved, but we still need that extra information,” King said.

Police said they found bullet casings over a four-block route and they received several 911 calls as the gunfire rang out. Dozens of people were kept from their homes for hours for several blocks.

Police have not made an arrest in the case.