SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith asked residents to be “part of the mission” to change the image and direction of the Goldsboro community.
It comes less than a week after 8 people were hurt in a shooting on Saturday evening.
During a District 2 community meeting on Thursday, the chief addressed the mass shooting and how the community could be part of the solution.
“The incident that took place here did not start in Sanford. It came to Sanford,” said Chief Smith, “We had several young men who made the decision to take it upon themselves to do something that was tragic and bring disrespect and dishonor to this community.”
Several of the individuals hurt in the shooting had gathered for a celebration of life honoring Zi’Erric Wynn, 18, who died in a car accident in 2020.
Chief Smith said on Thursday that the shooting incident had “nothing to do” with the celebration of life event.
However, Chief Smith stated the department is seeking photos, videos, or other information that could help identify the drivers involved in the Sept. 19 incident, specifically the drivers of black and white BMW 530 vehicles.
“We’re not going to resolve the shooting that took place by ourselves. Which is why we pushed out a bunch of information, asking people if you want it to stop, you’ve got to be a part of the mission,” said Smith.
The Chief also stated that despite the shooting, criminal activity is down 12 percent in Goldsboro compared to last year. He asked the community to speak with the police department about their concerns and invited them to attend the monthly District 2 meetings.
“If we’re going to change the image, if we’re going to change the idea, if we’re going to change the direction of what we’re doing in Sanford and in Goldsboro, it takes each and every one of us,” said Chief Smith.
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