Teen Arrested After Drug Deal Turns Violent in Parrish Neighborhood
A 17-year-old boy is recovering after being shot during a drug transaction that escalated into violence Sunday afternoon in the Summerwoods subdivision.
According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the 17-year-old and a 16-year-old girl arrived at the neighborhood pool around 1:30 p.m. for a narcotics transaction. While sitting in their vehicle, they were approached by a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl. Deputies said the 16-year-old male suspect shot the 17-year-old driver in the left arm before fleeing the scene on foot with the female accomplice.
The victims managed to drive away and flag down a nearby deputy for help. The wounded teen was airlifted to a Tampa hospital in critical condition, where he later underwent surgery. Authorities report that he is expected to make a full recovery.
Deputies immediately searched the area with the assistance of a K9 unit. Multiple residents reported sightings of two teenagers running through the neighborhood. One resident informed deputies that a suspect was seen discarding a backpack in a wooded area. Deputies recovered the backpack, which contained a handgun and clothing matching the suspects' descriptions.
The K9 unit tracked the suspects to a nearby home, where deputies found an open sliding glass door. Inside, they located the two teens, who surrendered without incident. Both matched the descriptions provided by witnesses.
The 16-year-old male suspect was charged with attempted murder and transported to the Manatee Juvenile Booking Facility. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.