ORLANDO, FL – A school bus filled with students became an unintended target in a shootout early one morning, as gunfire erupted at a bus stop in the Carver Shores neighborhood. The incident unfolded around 6 a.m. and resulted in 27 shots being fired between two vehicles, according to local authorities. Miraculously, none of the approximately 30 students on the bus were injured, despite one bullet striking the side of the vehicle.
The chaos began when residents were jolted awake by the sound of gunshots. As police arrived, they found the bus stop transformed into a crime scene. Officers meticulously gathered evidence while the community grappled with the shocking reality of gun violence impacting the lives of its youngest members.
The bus driver, acting swiftly, drove away from the scene as soon as the shots rang out, ensuring the students’ safety. The driver then reported the incident upon reaching Doctor Phillips High School. “I can’t imagine sending my child to school only to face the possibility of them not coming back the same,” expressed Marisol Cruz, a concerned grandmother who drives her grandchildren to school daily.
Police reported that a man was injured during the exchange of gunfire but was released from the hospital later that day. Investigators are relying heavily on surveillance footage from the bus, which captured most of the incident, and the driver’s identification of one of the shooters. A juvenile suspect has been apprehended, though his identity remains undisclosed.
The investigation led to the arrest of Willie Howard, who had previously been charged with tampering with evidence in connection to the case. Howard allegedly attempted to conceal the weapon used in the shootout at a relative’s home. He now faces more serious charges, including attempted murder, and remains in custody without bond.
Residents are left grappling with the implications of such violence occurring near their homes and schools. The suspect, Howard, is scheduled to appear in court next week. Meanwhile, police continue to seek cooperation from the man who was shot, though he has been described as uncooperative during interviews.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on edge, wrestling with the fear and uncertainty that comes with such acts of violence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can unexpectedly surface in everyday settings, impacting even the most vulnerable.