Suspect identified in Punta Gorda pub shooting

Reporter: Andrea Guerrero Writer: Drew Hill
Published: Updated:
bullet hole at Celtic Ray
bullet hole at Celtic Ray

Just after midnight on Friday, someone opened fire at the Celtic Ray Public House in Punta Gorda. Now, Punta Gorda police are investigating.

The bar’s owner is hoping the footage he gave to the police would be enough to provide some clues into why this happened.

Good beer, good food, and better company are what everyone expects at Celtic Ray Public House. But, on Friday, someone interrupted the usual good time with gunfire.

Kevin Doyle is the co-owner of Celtic Ray Public House. “I couldn’t believe it happened. Nothing ever like that would happen here. It was so random it could have been anywhere, really,” said Doyle.

Craig Strand lives in Fort Myers. “I was shocked because this is a great place. This is a Neighborhood Pub, not a Bar, a Pub,” said Strand. 

On Friday night, around midnight, witnesses said a man began firing an AR-15 out of his car while driving. Police identified the man as Carlos Colon-Parrilla, 28.

Carlos Colon-Parrilla

One of the bullets hit a wall. Another went straight through an office and hit a back wall.

Doyle said Colon-Parrilla was sitting at the bar earlier on Friday night before being asked to leave. “He came in here angry,” said Doyle. “He got very rude with our staff and demanding. Our staff are trained to not serve a patron who is drunk. So we refuse to serve him, and then he was escorted out by our security.”

The suspect reentered but was escorted out once more. Minutes later, the shots rang out.

Carlos Colon-Parrilla
Carlos Colon-Parrilla Credit: The Celtic Ray

Punta Gorda Police say this investigation remains active. Police are working with witnesses to locate the man responsible for this shooting.

If you have any information about this case, Punta Gorda Police ask you not to hesitate to get in touch with Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-780-TIPS or by using the P3 Tips mobile app. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward for information leading to an arrest. If you see Colon-Parrilla, call 911.

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