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Texans WR Tank Dell injured in shooting at event venue in Sanford

16-year-old gunman wounded 10 people, police say; he’s been arrested

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell wears a new uniform during an NFL football uniform release party Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip, Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

SANFORD, Fla. – A teenage gunman wounded 10 people, including Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell, when he opened fire early Sunday after fighting broke out during a private event at a Florida party venue.

A security guard tackled and disarmed the shooter almost immediately, and a second guard handcuffed him until sheriff’s deputies arrived, according to an arrest report from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.

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The Houston Texans announced on social media that Dell had been shot in Sanford, Florida, but has since been released from a hospital “in good spirits.”

“We are in contact with him and his family and will provide more updates when appropriate,” the team wrote.

Officials have not confirmed that Dell was among the 10 injured, but sources said the Sanford Police Department told them the event venue incident was the only shooting in Sanford that night.

None of the victims in the shooting suffered life-threatening injuries, the sheriff’s office said in a statement. It said 10 people were treated at a local hospital for gunshot wounds, primarily below their waists.

A 16-year-old suspect was arrested and taken to a juvenile detention center. He was charged with attempted homicide, firing a weapon in a public place, using a firearm during a felony and illegal possession of a firearm by a minor.

The shooting happened during a crowded, late-night event at Cabana Live in Sanford, about 20 miles north of Orlando. The venue’s website says it’s a restaurant that rents cabanas and hosts pool parties and other events.

Witnesses told law enforcement the shooting started after a fistfight broke out. Someone who wasn’t involved in the melee drew a handgun and began firing toward a crowd of people, the arrest report said. A security guard standing near the gunman wrestled him to the ground and disarmed him.

Two deputies who were assisting private security at the venue arrived soon after and arrested the teenager. The arrest report said they also recovered a 9mm handgun and spent shell casings that matched the bullets in the gun’s magazine.

A post on the Facebook page for Cabana Live said it was holding a private event when the shootings occurred and all of its employees were safe. A woman who answered the phone there Sunday afternoon said no one had further comment.

“We are cooperating with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and praying for all those involved,” the social media post said.


About the Authors
Francine Frazier headshot

A Jacksonville native and proud University of North Florida alum, Francine Frazier has been with News4Jax since 2014 after spending nine years at The Florida Times-Union.

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