Bartow, Fla.-(WFLA)-Monday morning around 5:29, the Bartow Police Department received a 911 call regarding a shooting in the 1900 block . of South Floral Ave., across from the Polk County School Board office.
Officers found a 69 year old victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. The elderly victim had also been severely beaten.
The victim and his 88 yr old friend, were taking their morning walk as they customarily do. A white vehicle pulled alongside of them as they were walking on the sidewalk. The suspect vehicle parked in the grass just east of Floral Avenue next to the victims. Three black male suspects exited the vehicle and one was armed with a silver semi-auto handgun. The suspect armed with the handgun demanded the victim's property. The suspects then proceeded to kick and beat the victim and then shot the victim one time in his leg. A cellular telephone and firearm owned by the victim were stolen during the robbery.
The suspects are described as three (3) black males between the ages of 20-30.
The vehicle driven by the suspects is described as a newer white vehicle possibly 4-door.
The Bartow Police Department is requesting assistance from the community with identifying the suspect vehicle or the suspects involved in this robbery and shooting.
Although not very clear, here is a photograph of the suspect vehicle.
Anyone with information regarding this incident please contact Detective Jason Griffith at 863-534-5042 or you can remain anonymous and contact Heartland Crime stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS, (8477).
Photo Credit: Bartow Police