MULBERRY, FL – A violent confrontation between rival gang members escalated into a tragic shooting early Wednesday morning, leaving a 28-year-old woman dead and authorities in pursuit of suspects. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is piecing together a series of events that began on Leavens Road, where an exchange of gunfire erupted.
Investigators have identified the scene of the initial gunfight as a residence in the Willow Oak area. The confrontation involved Joshua Clark and Jose Coronado, both associated with opposing gangs. The conflict took a deadly turn when Coronado allegedly fired his weapon, inadvertently striking his girlfriend, Mary Dino.
The aftermath of the shooting saw Coronado frantically transporting Dino to Rhiles Road, about a mile from the initial scene. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries before receiving medical assistance. Coronado reportedly left her on a truck’s tailgate, urging bystanders to call 911 and take her to a hospital before he fled the scene, citing a war he needed to attend to.
Sheriff Grady Judd expressed frustration over public perceptions of drug-related crimes as nonviolent, emphasizing the lethal nature of these disputes. Coronado is currently wanted in Hillsborough County for failing to appear on meth trafficking charges, adding urgency to the manhunt.
Authorities later tracked Coronado’s vehicle nearly 20 miles away on Highway 17 near Fort Meade. Utilizing a precision immobilization technique, deputies managed to halt his flight. However, Joshua Clark remains at large, with law enforcement actively seeking his whereabouts.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is left grappling with the violence that has shattered lives and brought attention to the ongoing issues of gang-related activities in the area. Residents are urged to come forward with any information that could aid in locating Clark and concluding this case.
The sheriff’s office continues to gather evidence and interview witnesses, determined to bring those responsible to justice. The tragic loss of a young woman’s life underscores the broader societal impact of gang violence and the urgent need for intervention.