Crime & Safety

Police Search for Suspect in Thanksgiving Day Shootings

Two men have been arrested on charges of attempted murder and grand theft auto. A chase closed down some downtown streets Thanksgiving night.

Police are searching for a 21-year-old suspect linked to two shootings that injured four people on Thanksgiving Day.

Both shootings took place in the in the 700 block of 12th Avenue West. The second shooting involved a police chase that shut down the downtown area of Bradenton. Two men were arrested and charged in the shootings.

  • Desmon A. Evans, 19, of Palmetto, was charged with principal to attempted murder, grand theft auto and fleeing to elude police.
  • Dominique D. Hird, 20, of Bradenton. was charged with attempted murder, grand theft auto and obstruction of a police officer.

Police detectives also are searching for Ahmad R. Hird, 21, of Bradenton, in connection with the shootings.

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The first shooting occurred at about 4 a.m. Thursday, injuring three people. A fourth person was injured in a 9:30 p.m. shooting at the same address Thursday night, according to Bradenton Police reports. 

Just after 9:30 p.m., Officer Carrie Ward, who was on patrol in the area, heard shots fired in the 700 block of 12th Avenue West. At least 10 shots were fired, according to the police report, and one man was hit by the gunfire.

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The house at 712 12th Avenue West was also hit by several bullets, but no one inside was injured, according to police. 

Ward immediately responded to the scene and saw a vehicle speeding from the scene. She pursued the vehicle, which had been reported as stolen. After a short chase, three suspects ran from the vehicle.

A joint effort with the Bradenton Police Department and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit resulted in two of the three occupants being apprehended. The chase led to streets in downtown Bradenton being shut down.

Ahmad R. Hird is still on the loose.

According to Merriman, there was a direct correlation between the two shootings, and detectives are continuing their investigation into both incidents. Bradenton police are asking the public for help with tips. Here are the contacts:

  1. Bradenton Police Det. Leonel Marines, at 941-932-9300, ext. 327.
  2. Crime Stoppers (toll free) at 1-866-634-8477 (TIPS), to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
  3. E-Tip thrurough the web at www.manateecrimestoppers.com  


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