PORT CHARLOTTE FLA. — The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a shooting at a busy Wawa gas station that happened on US-41 and Cornelius Blvd. It left two people injured around 9 a.m. Wednesday.
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The Sheriff's Office has now identified one of those involved, Anthony Gooden, who is receiving medical care pending his arrest.
The Sheriff's Office says as they arrived on the scene they found one victim shot and Gooden had fled on foot. The North Port Police Department found Gooden quickly and also discovered he was also injured. He was also transported to the hospital for medical care.
Sheriff Bill Prummell
“I want to thank the North Port Police Department for their quick assistance in this case, which allowed my team to stay focused on the investigation. It is unfortunate that this happened, but I appreciate the fast and appropriate response of law enforcement. I also know how frustrating the traffic in the area was once Tamiami Trail had to be closed. Thank you to the public for their patience and trust in us to get this sorted out as quickly as possible.”
Detectives determined this was an isolated incident between the two individuals and there was no danger to the public. An arrest warrant was obtained for Gooden for the following charges:
- Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Second Degree Felony (x2)
- Discharging Firearm In Public, First Degree Misdemeanor
- Grand Theft of Firearm, Third Degree Felony
- Shoot At/Within Or Into Dwelling/Building, Second Degree Felony
Watch Fox 4's Alex Orenczuk report earlier on Wednesday on the shooting investigation in Port Charlotte:
The Sheriff's Office did not say how the victim is doing.
“I don't know what those injuries are or how they were obtained, but they were transported to be treated for those injuries,” said Christopher Hall.
The sheriff’s office closed US-41 between Cornelius Blvd and Salford Blvd while investigators worked but it has since been reopened. North Port Police are also on scene as the location borders the city limits.
The Wawa was surrounded with police tape as investigators worked. A helicopter, police drones, a mobile command center and over a dozen law enforcement vehicles were on the scene.
