UPDATE: The Fort Myers Police Department released an update Monday morning on their investigation into Saturday night’s shooting incident at ZombiCon in Downtown Fort Myers including a description of the suspected shooter who remains at large.
FMPD spokesman Lt. Victor Medico writes, “The suspect is described as a white or possibly Hispanic male in his late teens or early twenties. He was dressed in a black t-shirt and wore a flat-billed black and red ball cap. The suspect was seen firing a black semi-automatic handgun. After the shooting the suspect fled westbound on First Street toward the Federal Courthouse.”
FMPD officials are encouraging anyone who attended the event and may have captured photo or video vital to the investigation on their smartphones to contact them at (239) 321-7700. Tips can also be called in anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-780-TIPS or text message C-R-I-M-E-S (274637).
The latest update also includes a link to video recorded by an attendee that captures the moment of the shooting: https://youtu.be/wdxfhBCgV54","_id":"00000172-0361-db5a-a17a-b7f15e990000","_type":"035d81d3-5be2-3ed2-bc8a-6da208e0d9e2"}">https://youtu.be/wdxfhBCgV54">https://youtu.be/wdxfhBCgV54","_id":"00000172-0361-db5a-a17a-b7f15e990000","_type":"035d81d3-5be2-3ed2-bc8a-6da208e0d9e2"}">https://youtu.be/wdxfhBCgV54. Viewers be advised the video includes some strong language.
One man was shot and killed and five others wounded when an unknown gunman opened fire on the streets of downtown Fort Myers Saturday night.
The shooting occurred during a gathering of more than 20,000 people at the city’s annual ZombiCon event. Attendees were dressed as zombies and zombie outbreak survivors, many carrying toy guns and other weapons.
The fatal shooting victim was 20 year-old Tyrell Taylor of Okeechobee. Four other victims were taken to Lee Memorial Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. A fifth victim refused medical service
The shooter remains at large according to Fort Myers Police officials Sunday morning. In a brief statement Sunday afternoon, Fort Myers Police Department spokesman Lt. Victor Medico indicated further updates will be provided Monday. Investigators are seeking assistance from eye-witnesses to the shooting. The News-Press reports the incident will expedite efforts to install video surveillance cameras in the downtown area.
The News-Press also reports ZombiCon spokeswoman Angeli Chin spoke with reporters Sunday morning when she expressed condolences to the victims and their families. Chin says organizers are questioning whether the event should stay in downtown Fort Myers in future years and are discussing other issues such as metal detectors, weapons checks and beefed up security.
Saturday’s event was staffed by 30 law enforcement officers and 60 security workers hired by ZombiCon organizers.
