Two Shot in Early Morning Gunfight, Police Say

Two people were taken to Manatee Memorial after being shot during a vehicle gunfight, according to a Sarasota County Sheriff's Office press release.

According to officials, 911 received phone calls of a black SUV and black Dodge exchanging gunfire while heading northbound on the 4200 block of Washington Blvd. in Sarasota shortly after 4 a.m. Saturday morning.

Minutes later, the black Dodge pulled into the 7-11 at Tallevast and US 301 in Manatee County, according to the release. Someone in the Dodge asked someone there to call 911.

According to officials, when SSO and MSO units arrived on scene, they found several gunshot holes in the vehicle and had two occupants taken to the hospital. 

The Sarasota Sheriff's Office is in the beginning stage of the investigation with the assistance of Manatee Count Sheriff's Office. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Criminal Investigations at 941-861-4900 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477), or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com or via text message by texting TIP109 plus message to CRIMES (274637.)