Armed and Dangerous: Suspect on the Run After Davenport Shooting

Armed and Dangerous: Suspect on the Run After Davenport Shooting

The search for a dangerous suspect continues in Polk County following a chilling shooting incident that claimed the life of Elijah Johnson. As reported by Fox 13 News, on the evening of August 12, law enforcement officials received a frantic call about gunfire at the Home Suites near the I-4 and U.S. 27 interchange in Davenport. The clock struck 9:40 p.m. when deputies arrived on the scene, only to find Johnson unresponsive on the ground, suffering from a gunshot wound to the shoulder.

Despite immediate medical attention, Johnson tragically died at the hospital, casting a pall over the Davenport community. Witnesses to the crime provided critical details as they reported seeing a man flee the scene and hop into a red sedan, which sped away shortly after the shots rang out. That sedan was later located at a nearby McDonald’s, and police took the driver, 39-year-old Angel Efrain-Reillo, into custody without incident. However, the primary suspect, 29-year-old Angel Gonzalez-Morales, remains at large.

A Warning from Sheriff Judd

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd did not mince words when addressing the public. He urged everyone to consider Gonzalez-Morales „armed and dangerous,“ stressing the urgency of the situation. The sheriff’s office is actively seeking information regarding Gonzalez-Morales’s whereabouts, encouraging anyone with leads to call 911 immediately, or to reach out anonymously with tips via Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS (8477).

Investigation reports detail that Gonzalez-Morales was last seen disappearing into the woods behind hotels east of U.S. 27 and north of I-4. Witness accounts reinforced the chaotic scene that unfolded on that Tuesday night, with some individuals claiming to have seen the suspect run into the woods after the vehicle stopped temporarily.

Community Reactions and Concerns

The tragic outcome of this incident has left many in the Davenport area feeling unsettled. Local residents express concern over rising violence, and the police presence in the area has intensified in response to this incident. “We never thought something like this could happen here,” said a nearby business owner. “It’s usually a quiet place.”

Authorities remind the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. As the search for Gonzalez-Morales continues, Sheriff Judd reassured the community that law enforcement is committed to apprehending the suspect swiftly to restore peace and safety.

This devastating event serves as a troubling reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence in everyday life. As our community grapples with this tragedy, the hope is that justice will be served and that such incidents will be minimized in the future.