Two victims remained in critical condition as police investigated the gunfire and searched for those responsible.
SANFORD, FL — Eight adults were injured after gunfire erupted during a family gathering Saturday night in Sanford, leaving two people in critical condition and prompting an ongoing search for suspects, police said.
Sanford police received a 911 call reporting a shooting with injuries at about 9:54 p.m. Sept. 19 near 10th Street and Poplar Avenue. Officers who arrived at the scene found multiple people suffering from gunshot wounds. Police initially reported at least six victims before updating the total Sunday to eight.
The Sanford Police Department said all eight victims were adults. Two were listed in critical condition after the shooting. Authorities had not publicly identified the victims or released more detailed information about their medical conditions as of Sunday afternoon.
Investigators said the preliminary evidence indicates a family gathering was taking place on Poplar Avenue when suspects began firing into the crowd. Police had not determined what led to the shooting or released information identifying any suspected shooter. No arrests had been announced.
Police Public Information Officer Nicole Brown said investigators were still working to determine whether one person or multiple people opened fire. Authorities described the shooting as an isolated incident and said the scene had been secured, with no immediate threat identified for the surrounding community.
The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office assisted Sanford police with the response and investigation. Authorities did not immediately release additional information about what evidence had been recovered from the scene or whether investigators had identified a specific dispute or confrontation that preceded the gunfire.
Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith said investigators were working to determine what caused the shooting and urged people with information to come forward. Police have asked anyone who may know more about the incident to contact the department or provide information through Crimeline.
The victim count changed as investigators continued gathering information after the shooting. Initial police reports placed the number at a minimum of six, with two critically injured. By late Sunday morning, the department confirmed that eight people had been injured. Police said all of the confirmed victims were adults.
The investigation remained active Sunday, and authorities had not announced any suspects or arrests. The circumstances that led to the gunfire, including how many people fired shots and whether anyone at the gathering was specifically targeted, had not been publicly established.
Author note: Last updated September 20, 2026.