Crime
Carlos Fuentes killed after shooting at basketball court in Avon Park
The basketball court, a well-frequented area, had numerous witnesses present during the shooting.
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation into a fatal shooting that occurred Monday night at a basketball court on Fred Conner Street in Avon Park.
Multiple 911 calls were received at approximately 6:18 p.m., reporting gunfire in the area.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered an adult male, identified as Carlos Fuentes, lying on the ground with gunshot wounds.
Fuentes was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The basketball court, a well-frequented area, had numerous witnesses present during the shooting.
Detectives are actively working to identify those witnesses and are pursuing several leads generated in the early stages of the investigation.
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with knowledge of the shooting can contact the sheriff’s office at 863-402-7200 (option 1).
For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through the following methods:
- The HCSO smartphone app.
- Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS (8477).
- Online at www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com under the “Submit A Tip” tab.
- By downloading and using the free “P3tips“ app on your smartphone.
Anonymous tips provided to Crime Stoppers could be eligible for a cash reward. Investigators continue to work diligently to bring closure to this tragic event.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.