The shooting occurred shortly after the Lakeland Farmer's Market opened Saturday morning.LAKELAND (FOX 13) -
Authorities in Polk County have released additional information on Saturday morning's shooting at the Lakeland Farmer's Market that landed a merchant in the hospital.
The unidentified 79-year-old man was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center suffering from a gunshot wound to the stomach.
On Sunday his condition was upgraded to stable.
According to a Polk County Sheriff's Office report the six suspects who accosted and shot the man are believed to be teenagers. All of them were sporting dreadlock-style haircuts.
A witness reported seeing them leaving the crime scene in a black Suzuki hatchback with tinted windows and stock rims. The vehicle is a later model – between 2010 and 2013 the report states.
Investigators say two men originally approached the victim at his coin and gun booth just before 8 a.m. The pair inquired about purchasing a gun but the merchant told them he could not sell them one.
The men left but told the merchant that ‘they would be back.'
They returned a short time later with four other black male suspects. One of them smashed a glass case containing some handguns and another fired a shotgun at the merchant.
All of the suspects were wearing dark-colored clothing.
If you have any information about this case or you know the identity of any of the suspects please contact Detective Radabaugh at 863-307-5051 or 863-298-6200.
