LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland Police said they arrested a suspect after two men were shot at an apartment complex in Lakeland Monday evening.
Police arrested Kenneth Bernard Bowers, 48, in connection to the shooting on Jan. 3. Officials said they found Bowers in Tampa and he was taken into custody without incident.
"It is my hope that this arrest brings some amount of relief for the loved ones of the victims. Their lives are forever changed, and we will do everything in our power to ensure justice is served. I want to thank the detectives for their tireless work, along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, for their support and partnership in bringing Mr. Bowers into custody,” said Chief Sam Taylor.
On Dec. 26, around 5:35 p.m., Lakeland Police said officers received reports of a shooting at the Providence Reserve Apartments on Providence Reserve Loop. Witnesses said that fights broke out in the courtyard area just before the shooting, and after the men were shot, a third man fled in a vehicle.
Officers rendered aid to the victims until emergency responders from Lakeland Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived. Both victims were transported to Lakeland Regional Health with critical injuries.
On Dec. 27, one of the victims, 38, passed away from his injuries. The other victim, 25, is still hospitalized.
According to police, Bowers faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder in the second degree.
Lakeland Police are still investigating and will provide updates as they become available.
