Orange County leaders push for end to gang violence as gun-related arrests continue

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — 9 Investigates uncovered that the father of a toddler who was caught in the middle of an ongoing gang feud was recently arrested on gun charges.

Local leaders are once again calling for an end to the violence.

READ: Orange County leaders meet to discuss how to curb increased gang violence

This week, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings plans to release details about a task force that will focus on gang-related crime.

Investigators said Daquane Felix Jr., 3, was shot in the head and killed at his Pine Hills home on Drexel Avenue nearly three weeks ago.

Records show the boy’s father, Daquane Felix, was arrested after deputies caught him with a gun on the day the child was being laid to rest.

READ: Orange County community on edge after 2 children killed in gang-related shootings, deputies say

Records show the deputy did not know what the boy’s father intended to do with the high-powered gun, but we know the reason deputies were doing surveillance on him was because of the ongoing retaliation between gangs in the neighborhood.

READ: Man arrested, accused of slashing Orange City teen’s face in apparent random attack

Despite a $20,000 reward being offered in Felix Jr.'s case, deputies said only a handful of tips have come in.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 407-423-8477. Callers may remain anonymous.

Video: $5K reward offered after 2 teens injured in suspected gang-related shooting in Orange County, deputies say A $5,000 reward is being offered for information on a suspected gang-related shooting that left two teenagers injured in Orange County.