SANFORD, Fla. — Eight people were injured in a shooting at a gathering in Sanford on Saturday night, according to police.
The shooting happened shortly before 10 p.m. near Poplar Avenue and Ninth Street.
Sanford police initially said six people had been shot. By Sunday morning, investigators said the total number of victims had increased to eight. They later adjusted the number back to 6 shot.
As of Monday morning, five victims had been treated and released from the hospital. Three remained hospitalized, including two in critical condition and one in stable condition.
Police investigating motive, searching for suspect or suspects
Sanford police said the motive for the shooting remains unknown.
Investigators are still working to identify the suspect or suspects involved and have not said whether there was one shooter or multiple shooters.
Police also have not said whether anyone at the gathering was specifically targeted.
Channel 9 previously learned that a 26-year-old woman was shot in the face and arm and required surgery.
At least two vehicles struck by gunfire were marked as evidence during the investigation.
Police said they believe the shooting was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Family says gathering was a memorial
A woman who was at the gathering told Channel 9 that family members had come together to remember her grandson, who died in a car crash in 2020 at age 18.
She said the family was talking and laughing when they initially thought they heard fireworks.
“It was like ta-da-da, it just kept going,” she said.
The woman said people began running for safety when they realized gunfire had erupted.
RELATED: Sanford woman describes running for her life as gunfire erupts at family memorial
Police ask public for information
Sanford police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the department.
The investigation remains active.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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