At around 10 p.m. on Friday, the annual Fall Family Festival at Kit Land Nelson Park in Apopka turned violent when a dispute escalated into gunfire. The shooting, which took place near the intersection of Goodrich Avenue and East Orange Street, left a 21‑year‑old man with multiple gunshot wounds, including a serious injury to his head.
Neighbor calls 911 and offers prayers
A nearby resident, who asked to remain anonymous, heard the shots and immediately dialed 911. “They had multiple, you know, shell casings they were picking up, so it was bad,” the neighbor said. After the victim was taken to the hospital, the neighbor added, “We started praying for him. I noticed a gunshot wound to his head, multiple in the leg.” He later urged local youth, “put the guns down, go to church, leave it alone.”
Family reaction
Eduardo Martinez, a longtime festival attendee, expressed his shock. “It’s amazing, you know, going to all the rides, eating all the delicious food here,” he said, before noting the tragedy: “It’s crazy because so many families here, kids, and just randomly, boom, it just happens. It’s just tragic.”
Police investigation and arrests
Apopka Police Department confirmed that the 21‑year‑old victim was shot multiple times and is currently in critical condition. Investigators have arrested a 17‑year‑old suspect on charges of attempted first‑degree murder, tampering with evidence, juvenile possession of a firearm, and resisting an officer without violence. A second minor was also taken into custody and charged with resisting an officer without violence.
The department emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and asked anyone who captured video footage or has additional information to contact the police or the Crimeline tip line.
Community impact
The incident has raised concerns among families who regularly attend the festival, a beloved community event that draws residents from across the region. Local leaders have called for calm and for the community to support the victim’s recovery while reinforcing the importance of safety at public gatherings.
Police continue to review surveillance footage and are working with the district attorney’s office to determine appropriate prosecution for the juveniles involved.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
