DAVENPORT, FL – A night that was meant to be filled with celebration for local high school students turned into chaos and fear, as three teenagers found themselves caught in a shootout in Davenport. The unsettling incident unfolded after a series of after-prom parties, leaving the community on edge and law enforcement searching for answers.
The altercation began in the early hours at a Wawa convenience store in Osceola County, where a large group of teens had gathered. The scene quickly escalated, with reports of fights, thefts, and vehicles blocking the area. The store manager, overwhelmed by the disorder, pleaded for the parking lot to be cleared, hoping to restore order. However, the chaos merely relocated a few miles away to a resort in Polk County.
As the festivities continued, a neighbor recalled waking up to an overwhelming police presence, with flashing lights illuminating the night and CSI trucks lining the street. “It was something we’ve never seen here before,” he noted, describing the unsettling scene.
The situation took a violent turn at 3:38 a.m. when a 911 call reported an active shooter. Video footage captured during the incident showed students fleeing as gunfire erupted, believed to be from an AR-15-style rifle. Bullet remnants were later discovered in nearby apartments and vehicles, evidence of the intensity of the shootout.
Caught in the crossfire were three students from Osceola High School, sitting in a parked car. A 17-year-old girl sustained minor injuries to her shoulder and forehead, while a 17-year-old boy suffered shrapnel wounds to his eye, necessitating surgery. An 18-year-old also received a minor forehead wound. None of the teens had any prior criminal records or were known troublemakers; they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
All three teenagers have since been released from the hospital, but the perpetrators remain at large. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has issued a plea to parents, urging them to engage with their children who attended the parties. “If we don’t act now, what’s to stop the next bullet from claiming a life next weekend?” he warned.
Authorities are currently reviewing extensive video footage to identify the suspects involved in the incident. Sheriff Judd hopes this serves as a wake-up call for the community, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures to avoid future tragedies.
The investigation continues as the community grapples with the aftermath of a night meant for joy that turned into a harrowing ordeal.