One child dead after Fort Myers shooting

Fort Myers police say one juvenile has died from their injuries after a Sunday night shooting at a shopping center.

The shooting occurred just before 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Columbus Square Shopping Center at 3513 Fowler Street. According to a press release from the Fort Myers Police Department, two young people, whose ages were not given, were immediately transported to Lee Memorial Hospital, one as a trauma alert. Later Sunday night, that person died from their injuries and the other was released after treatment.

“This is a tragic event that unfolded, and we grieve with the family of the young life that was lost,” the FMPD wrote in its statement. It went on to emphasize the importance of responsible firearm handling and storage methods.

Businesses in the area had to shut down, despite police taping off the area. Carmelo Taylor works across the street and had to shut down early.

“We just heard everything when the cops came rushing and they just closed everything down basically in the plaza so that’s why everything is about to close, we’re closing down right now and it was just crazy,” Taylor said.

WINK News will continue to update you as more information becomes available.