2 arrested in Celebration Publix store shooting

Two teenagers have been arrested in a shooting that wounded a third teen and riddled cars with bullets at a Publix store in Celebration on Wednesday, the Osceola County Sheriff ’s Office said.

The shooting occurred around 2:40 p.m. and brought a heavy police presence to the store on Blake Boulevard.

At a press conference, Sheriff Marcos López said the 17-year-old victim was shot multiple times in the back while driving his car in the parking lot. He was taken to a nearby hospital and his injuries were not considered life-threatening.

No other injuries were reported but several cars were damaged by bullets, the sheriff said.

López said the incident was an isolated event that stemmed from a dispute between two teenagers who knew each other.

In an update Thursday, the Sheriff ’s Office said the victim helped to identify the suspect, who is also 17. The Orlando Sentinel does not name minors accused of crimes unless they are charged as adults.

Meanwhile, detectives identified a vehicle involved in the incident, as well as its suspected driver: 18-year-old Maliky Kris Blair. Blair was arrested on criminal traffic violations, with more charges “forthcoming,” OCSO said in an unsigned statement.

A SWAT team raided the home of the suspected shooter, recovering guns and live ammunition, the statement said. He was arrested and taken to the juvenile detention center.

The teenager faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, as well as several counts related to firearm possession, exhibition and discharge.

OCSO said there is no ongoing threat to the public.

“I want to thank the brave men and women of the Osceola County Sheriff ’s Office who relentlessly, through investigative leads, quickly located and arrested [the suspected shooter] at his residence, without incident, for attempted murder,” López said in a statement. “The dedication to public safety and keeping our community safe is of the utmost priority.”