One dead, another injured after shooting erupts in crowded downtown Melbourne bar
A 34-year-old man was shot and killed and another person injured during a confrontation in a packed, downtown Melbourne bar early Sunday, Melbourne police reported.
At least four shots were heard by witnesses, prompting at least 350 patrons to run for safety from the Off the Traxx sports bar. The shots came from the dance floor, one witness said. Melbourne police were searching for the unidentified gunman.
It was not immediately clear how someone got into the club with a gun. Bouncers typically use metal detectors to search customers before allowing them in.
The shooting happened about 1:10 a.m. at Off the Traxx, located at 918 E. New Haven Ave. Melbourne police arrived within minutes and found two people injured inside. One man, who was non-responsive, was inside the business with gunshot wounds, bleeding. Hundreds of people streamed outside in confusion as officers went inside the nightspot.
"I got out of there quickly," said Jeff Navin, who was at the front entrance of the bar. "I heard about four gunshots coming from the direction of the dance floor. It was elbow to elbow. There was a lot of stumbling, people trying to get out."
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Paramedics treated the man and then transported him to Holmes Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead by doctors. Another person was also injured, a woman who worked at the business. She was also taken to Holmes Regional but was recovering, Melbourne Police reported.
Detectives continued to talk with witnesses. It was not immediately clear whether a weapon was located in the business. The club has two entrances. It was not known if the incident was captured on any surveillance cameras.
J.D. Gallop is a Criminal Justice/Breaking News Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @JDGallop.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Police search for shooting suspect after one killed in Melbourne club
