LEESBURG, Fla. – Leesburg police are asking the public for information after an 87-year-old man sitting in a car at a gas station was shot by someone arguing with him Saturday afternoon.
Officers responded around 2:40 p.m. to a shooting reported at the Citgo along West Main Street, where it was determined three suspects had approached the vehicle — two on the passenger’s side and one on the driver’s side — before the shooting occurred.
A confrontation began and the suspect on the driver’s side then shot the man before all three suspects ran away, police said. The victim was hospitalized and underwent surgery Saturday night, according to a news release.
On Monday, Leesburg police released two videos amid the search for suspects: One capturing the scene and another showing three suspects approaching the area.
“We can see one suspect makes contact with the driver who was sitting inside the vehicle. During that time it looks like there was an exchange of words and that’s when the suspect shot the driver,” said Sgt. Shannon Walsh of Leesburg Police.
Nearby residents told News 6 they were disturbed by the shooting.
“This happened to an 87-year-old man. That is what is the most heartbreaking,” said Donna Goodwin. “If they’ll do that, then they’ll do it to any of us.” It was in broad daylight, middle of the afternoon.”
“I hope to see justice. I hope to see the people caught and charged with a serious crime,” said John Bell.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Leesburg Police Department at 352-787-2121, or Crimeline at 800-423-8477 to remain anonymous and to potentially qualify for a cash reward.
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