Panama City Beach, FL — According to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, a Lyft driver is dead, and a 17 year old suspect is in custody following a fatal shooting in Panama City Beach Saturday, May 24th.
Deputies responded to reports of a shooting at the intersection of Wildwood Road and Emerald Cove Street shortly before 2:25 a.m. Upon arrival, they found a person suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The victim’s vehicle, located approximately 100 yards north of the scene, showed evidence of blood and bullet holes, according to BCSO.
A witness reported seeing a man fleeing the scene, firing shots as he scaled a fence and ran into the Woodlawn neighborhood. Authorities quickly identified the suspect as a 17-year-old male, who was apprehended on Dorothy Avenue. Investigators believe the victim was working as a Lyft driver and was transporting the suspect to a requested destination when the shooting occurred.
The teenage suspect has been charged with an open count of murder. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and deputies have not released any information about the victim’s identity. Nothing further at this time.
