Man Injured in Early Morning Shooting on U.S. 301 in Palmetto

PALMETTO – A man sustained minor injuries in an early Monday morning shooting while driving on U.S. 301 near Walmart, according to Palmetto police.

Authorities received a call around 3:15 a.m. from the victim’s family, stating he was driving himself to Manatee Memorial Hospital. The call was disconnected, and dispatchers could not reach the caller when they attempted to reconnect.

Officers arrived at the scene and discovered shell casings on the roadway. Witnesses in the area reported hearing gunfire from the direction of U.S. 301. Police also checked Manatee Memorial Hospital but found no evidence that a gunshot victim had arrived.

A subsequent search by Bradenton police led to the discovery of a pickup truck riddled with bullet holes parked near the hospital. Investigators determined it was the vehicle driven by the victim, identified as 28-year-old Sony Pina of Palmetto.

Pina, who suffered a minor injury, declined to name his attacker. However, police confirmed the shooter was an acquaintance and are actively pursuing leads to identify the suspect. The case remains under investigation.