FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — A shooting in Fort Pierce on Wednesday has left one man dead that has been identified as 27-year-old Edson Sainnatus and prompted a significant law enforcement response, according to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office (SLCSO).
Deputies are actively investigating the area around Edwards Road and South 23rd Street, as well as, Edwards Road and Nicholas Road.
Sheriff Richard Del Toro said deputies responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 12:19 p.m. A sergeant was flagged down by witnesses who directed him to a person walking away from a car that was still running and had bullet holes. The individual was taken into custody without incident.
As other deputies arrived at the scene, they found a man dead from gunfire on the side of the road, Del Toro said. Several firearms were discovered in the area, and five people have been taken into custody.
SLCSO said multiple people got out of a car and exchanged gunfire then the car was shot at multiple times and they fled the area. SLCSO K-9 units tracked the area north of the intersection, and St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office had their aviation unit out looking for any one else involved. Everyone is now in custody.
“We’re using all our resources accordingly,” Del Toro said. “We have deputies and detectives all over the area.”
The sheriff confirmed that multiple shell casings were found at the scene, but the exact number of gunshots fired is still unknown. The investigation is ongoing, with detectives collecting video evidence and interviewing witnesses
Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the shooting or whether the deceased was a target or an innocent bystander. Del Toro said, “We’re gonna be looking at the residence, obviously checking out the history, checking out once we identify who the victim is.”
The sheriff’s office plans to execute a search warrant at a nearby residence as part of the investigation.
“We have multiple units, plenty of manpower out here,” Del Toro said, emphasizing the importance of public vigilance. “If anybody sees anything suspicious in the area, please don’t hesitate to call 911.”
The investigation remains active, and authorities are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Source: cbs12
