POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County shooting at an Airbnb left one man dead and a woman injured early Sunday morning.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) said the shooting happened at a rental on Robin Road in Davenport around 12:30 a.m. during a "family-type" gathering for a one-year-old child's birthday.
Witnesses told deputies the man, 27, walked outside and spoke to the suspects in an SUV. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the victim brought two plates of food to the people inside the vehicle.
When the victim turned around, he was shot in front of the rental by the suspects, officials said. The victim jumped up and tried to get inside the house, but the suspects, who had already started to drive off, backed up. One of the suspects then got out of the SUV and shot at the victim again.
According to officials, after hearing the shots, the 26-year-old woman attending the party ran to the door and was struck once through the door in the thigh. She then opened the door and dragged the victim inside, who had been shot multiple times.
The suspects then drove off and were last seen heading north towards Osceola Polk Line Road, officials said. PCSO said they found the two plates of discarded food at the front of the neighborhood where the suspects fled.
Both victims were taken to Osceola Regional Medical Center, where the man died. The woman was treated and released.
A spokesperson with Airbnb reached out to ABC Action News, saying, "Our deepest condolences go out to all who were impacted by this senseless violence. We are investigating this incident and have also reached out to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to offer our support with their investigation."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 863-298-6200.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226 TIPS (8477). PCSO added there is a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest.
