‘Unacceptable’: ‘Friends’ of shot teen ran off instead of helping him, Sanford police chief says

SANFORD, Fla. — Sanford police are investigating a shooting that happened Tuesday night.

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It happened shortly before 8 p.m. near the intersection of Scott Drive and Ellen Place.

According to police, the victim, identified as 17-year-old Sadarion Cosby, and three others approached a parked car with unknown occupants.

Police said shots were then fired and the car immediately drove off.

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Police said Cosby — who was shot in the abdomen — was helped to a nearby house by someone who was with him.

That person then left the area, police said.

Occupants of the house drove Cosby to nearby HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital, but he died a short time later, according to police.

In a department-issued news release, Chief Cecil Smith said, “A seventeen-year-old lost his life. His ‘friends’, and I use that term loosely, ran rather than staying and helping him. They didn’t help him get the emergency medical attention he needed, nor stay to assist law enforcement identify and locate the person(s) who took his life. Unacceptable.”

Investigators released an image late Wednesday afternoon showing what they believe to be a car that’s connected to the shooting. It’s described as a dark-colored Kia K-5 Sedan.

Police have not specified whether the car is connected to the possible shooter or the victim’s friends.

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They’re asking anyone with information about this incident or the identities of those involved to contact the Sanford Police Department or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).

Police remind the public that Crimeline callers can stay anonymous and tips that lead to solved homicide cases are eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.

Stay with WFTV.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates on this developing story.

Police have not released any other information at this time and said they expect to have additional information in the morning.

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