Stray Bullet Hits Neighbor In Winter Haven Armed Robbery: Police

WINTER HAVEN, FL — A victim who tried to sell drugs on SnapChat in Winter Haven was robbed early Saturday morning by four suspects during the transaction at an apartment complex where the victim lived, a police news release said.

Investigators say the victim posted drug selling information on a SnapChat account, and after an unknown person responded, he made arrangements with the suspect for a marijuana transaction at Della Vita Apartments.

When the victim left his apartment to meet the suspect in the parking lot, two Black men who had a gun grabbed him and robbed him, authorities said.

Officials say the victim told them that two other Black men suspects got out of a white or cream colored four-door Cadillac, beat him and dragged him back to his apartment.

“These suspects are dangerous," said Sheriff Grady Judd in a news release. "They have put innocent residents’ lives at risk, and for what – a so-called non-violent marijuana drug deal! These criminals need to be caught, and caught quickly. Please contact our detectives with any information about this violent crime, or call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS to remain anonymous.”

The victim got away from the suspects, and retrieved a gun from inside his apartment, said authorities.

The victim and his roommate started shooting at the suspects police say as they ran down the stairs of the apartment building.

As shots were fired by the victim, a stray bullet struck a neighbor who had walked outside to see what was happening after they heard gunfire, said police.

The neighbor was treated at a local hospital and released.

The victim was also treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and released.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office told Patch they arrested the victim on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and discharging a firearm in public or on residential property.

This is the second Polk County Sheriff's Office arrest within 48 hours that has involved a SnapChat drug deal transaction in the area, police said.

Police booked him into the Polk County Jail.

Due to Marsy's Law, the name of the victim will not be released by the Polk County Sheriff's Office.