INVERNESS, Fla. – A man was shot and killed after a fight escalated at Colonial Plaza in Inverness on Tuesday morning, according to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials say deputies responded to the scene at 2020 Highway 44 West.
Within minutes of arriving, CCSO deputies say they found a man later identified as 33-year-old Traske C. Johnson, in the parking lot with several gunshot wounds.
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Johnson was taken to a local hospital, but despite first responders trying to save his life, he died, according to authorities.
Officials say the suspect, 35-year-old Dwann D. Ross, was also at the scene and was quickly detained by deputies. According to detectives from the CCSO Criminal Investigations Division, both men operated separate businesses within Colonial Plaza.
Courtesy: Citrus County Sheriff’s Office
Investigators say the two men were involved in a fight when Ross got a handgun and shot Johnson several times.
“Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies reacted quickly to this shooting to ensure the safety of numerous citizens that were in Colonial Plaza this morning. They were able to assess the scene, detain the suspect, and arrange medical treatment for the victim, who unfortunately succumbed to his injuries,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast in a statement. “The CCSO Criminal Investigation Division will closely partner with the Fifth Judicial Circuit to pursue justice for Johnson as this case progresses. My condolences go out to the family and community members affected by this senseless act of violence.”
After being interviewed at the CCSO Emergency Operations Center, deputies say Ross was arrested for second-degree murder and taken to the Citrus County Detention Facility.
The sheriff’s office says he will be held without bond per the bond schedule.
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