Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspects involved in a DeLand shooting that left a 16-year-old boy injured by a stray bullet.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight, at approximately 12:33 a.m. on Sunday, in the parking lot of 1757 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. According to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office (VSO), the teen was riding home with his family from a graduation party when their vehicle passed the scene of the shooting. A bullet entered their car, grazing the teen’s head.
He was immediately transported to the hospital and is currently in stable condition, though doctors are continuing to evaluate him for any possible complications related to his injury.
Sheriff Chitwood is urging the public to come forward with any information that might help detectives solve the case. “This young man could have lost his life because of reckless gun violence,” Chitwood said. “We need the community’s help to bring those responsible to justice.”
Submit Tips
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Justin Ferrari at JFerrari@volusiasheriff.gov or call 386-254-1537. Tipsters may be eligible for the $10,000 reward.
Related Shooting in Deltona
The DeLand shooting followed another separate incident earlier that same night in Deltona, just before midnight. A resident of Kings Ridge Terrace reported being confronted outside his home by an armed suspect. After retreating indoors and locking the door, a second suspect reportedly fired at least one shot at the house from the street before both individuals fled the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the Deltona case.
Ongoing Investigation
VSO detectives are actively pursuing leads in both shooting investigations. The preliminary findings in the DeLand case suggest the gunfire originated from a confrontation between two individuals on foot in the parking lot of the North Woodland Boulevard address.
Authorities say updates will be shared as new information becomes available.
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