Bradenton, Florida — A shooting at a medical office complex in Bradenton during the middle of the workday left one woman dead and another hospitalized, prompting a rapid police response and the arrest of a suspect shortly after the incident, authorities confirmed.
The Bradenton Police Department said Keith Roberts Jr., 29, has been arrested and now faces first-degree murder with a firearm and attempted first-degree murder with a firearm charges.
Shooting Reported at Medical Office Complex
Police said officers were dispatched shortly before 1 p.m. to reports of shots fired in the 5200 block of 4th Avenue Circle East, an area that includes several medical-related buildings and nearby businesses.
When officers arrived, they found two women suffering from gunshot wounds.
One woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Her current condition has not been publicly released.
Incident Happened During Workday Hours
Authorities emphasized that the shooting occurred in a commercial area during normal business hours, heightening fear among employees and nearby visitors.
“Any shooting in Bradenton is a major concern to us, but especially when it happens in the middle of a workday at a commercial area,” said Meredith Censullo, public information officer for the department.
“These are all medical buildings here, and that is very frightening. While this specific building does not serve patients, people were visiting nearby dental offices at the time.”
Police believe the individuals inside the building at the time of the shooting were employees, not patients.
Investigators Say Shooting May Have Been Targeted
Authorities said the building where the shooting occurred does not display business signage, leading investigators to believe the suspect may have been there intentionally.
“It’s very likely the shooter may have been here for a reason,” Censullo said.
Police have not confirmed whether the victims and suspect knew each other or what may have led up to the shooting.
Suspect Located and Arrested Quickly
Witnesses at the scene were able to provide police with a vehicle description, allowing officers to track the suspect shortly after the shooting.
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Police said the vehicle was seen leaving Bradenton and heading toward Palmetto, crossing the DeSoto Bridge.
Officers stopped the vehicle near the Bradenton Area Convention Center at approximately 1:12 p.m., just minutes after the shooting.
“Because of all of our resources, we were able to get that car stopped and take the driver into custody,” Censullo said.
The suspect was transported to police headquarters for questioning before being formally arrested.
Victims Not Yet Identified
As of the latest update, authorities have not released the names of the victims, citing notification of family members and the ongoing investigation.
Police have not confirmed the relationship, if any, between the suspect and the victims.
Community Shaken by Midday Violence
The shooting has unsettled nearby workers and residents, particularly due to its location in a medical and professional corridor where people expect a safe environment.
Officers maintained a strong presence in the area Thursday afternoon as detectives processed the scene and reviewed evidence.
Investigation Continues
Police said the investigation remains active, and additional details are expected to be released as detectives continue interviews and review surveillance footage.
Officials have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed.
Authorities reiterated that there is no ongoing threat to the public following the arrest.
What questions do you think investigators still need to answer in this case, and how can commercial areas improve safety during business hours? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
