Bradenton Man Killed in Drive-By Shooting

A 31-year-old Bradenton man was killed early this morning in a shooting at the intersection of 27th Street East and 13th Avenue East.

Rene Salinas, 31, was stopped at the intersection in his vehicle and attempting to turn north on 27th Street East at about 3 a.m. when someone shot him from a vehicle that was traveling west, according to a Bradenton Police report.

A passenger in Salinas's vehicle described the suspect vehicle as a light colored, 4-door sedan, which continued west on 13th Avenue East. The passenger was not hurt, but Salinas, who was shot once, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Bradenton Police Captain Warren Merriman described the shooting as a "senseless random act of violence, which took the life of an individual that leaves behind a wife, and five children."

The Bradenton Police Department is continuing its investigation, and is requesting the public’s help. Anyone with information about the shooting or the suspect vehicle is asked to call any of the following: Bradenton Police Detective James Curulla at 941-932-9311, or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000, call Crime Stoppers (toll free) at 1-866-634-8477 (TIPS) or send an anonymous E-Tip thru the web at www.manateecrimestoppers.com