Indian River County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating a shootout that erupted Wednesday night between two teenagers, ages 15 and 17, in a quiet residential area of Vero Beach. The exchange of fire took place around 7:30 p.m. on the 1100 block of 12th Court Southwest, sending bullet casings scattering across the street and striking a nearby vehicle and a home.
Neighbors hear “boom, boom, boom, boom”
Julio Pitts, a resident who was watching television in his living room, described the sudden barrage of gunfire. “The car had to have been here, and he had to shoot like that, boom, boom, boom, boom,” he said.
Law enforcement response
Deputies responded to multiple 911 calls and secured the scene. Lieutenant Kevin Jaworski confirmed that investigators recovered a short‑barreled pistol – a type of rifle – believed to have been used by the 17‑year‑old suspect, who was taken into custody Thursday morning.
“So, my first thing that comes to my mind is, where did he get it? This is a short‑barreled pistol, a rifle that he was shooting in the middle of the street,” Jaworski said.
Video evidence shows teens firing at each other
Investigators obtained video that shows the two juveniles firing at one another from the roadway. “Yes, between the 17‑year‑old and the 15‑year‑old, they were actively shooting at each other in the middle of the street,” Jaworski explained.
No injuries, but community alarm
Fortunately, no one was injured despite the bullets striking a car and a house. “This was between those two juveniles, so there’s no threat to the community at this point, but it is inherently dangerous to be shooting firearms in the middle of the street,” Jaworski warned.
Residents expressed relief that the incident did not result in injuries, but also voiced concern over the presence of firearms in a neighborhood setting. Pitts called for greater vigilance, saying, “I say crime watch, but when everybody sees something wrong, they got to say something.”
Investigation continues
Authorities believe the shootout stemmed from an ongoing feud between the two teens, though the exact cause of the dispute remains unclear. The case remains under investigation, and detectives are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that while the incident appears isolated, it underscores the broader issue of illegal firearms in the hands of minors and the need for community awareness.
How to help
Anyone with tips or information about the incident is asked to contact the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office detectives. The department continues to gather evidence and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
