Photos for Headline Surfer / TOP: Sanford Police Public Information Officer Nicole Brown addresses shooting outdoors at Poplar Avenue and 10th Street that resulted in eight juries - two critical on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Sanford, Florida. LEFT: Locator map and additional crime scene pic are shown. BELOW: Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith reacts to the gunfire violence.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
SANFORD, Fla. -- Sanford Police are investigating a Saturday night shooting on Poplar Avenue that resulted in a minimum of eight people being shot on the street -- two listed as critical -- with one or more gunmen on the loose, cops said.
Here is a synopsis of what occurred as described in an email media alert to Headline Surfer from Sanford Police PIO Nicole Brown at approximately 9:54 pm:
Sanford Police received multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a shooting with injuries at 10th Street and Poplar Avenue. Responding officers located multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds, with two victims listed in critical condition at nearby hospitals with gunshot wounds.
"Based on the preliminary investigation, there was a family gathering on Poplar Avenue, when suspects began shooting into the crowd," Brown told Headline Surfer. "The surrounding circumstances suggest this is an isolated incident."
Sanford Police received multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a shooting with injuries at 10th Street and Poplar Avenue. Responding officers located multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds, with two victims listed in critical condition at nearby hospitals with gunshot wounds.
"Based on the preliminary investigation, there was a family gathering on Poplar Avenue, when suspects began shooting into the crowd," Sanford Police PIO Nicole Brown told Headline Surfer. "The surrounding circumstances suggest this is an isolated incident."
Cops are looking for one or more gunmen. No motive was given for the gunfire or who the responsible parties may be in the targeted crowd of dozens on the street for some type of family party.
The ages of the victims were not immediately available, nor was anything on the suspects, with the scene later described as secure with no continued threat, cops said.
"There may be multiple shooters, unknown at this time," Brown said.
Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith found the bloodshed and the circumstances behind it patently disturbing, stating in part: “Our investigators are still working diligently to understand what caused someone to commit such a violent act. We need our community to stand together, and if anyone has any additional information, please come forward.”
Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith found the bloodshed and the circumstances behind it patently disturbing, stating in part:
“Our investigators are still working diligently to understand what caused someone to commit such a violent act. We need our community to stand together, and if anyone has any additional information, please come forward.”
Investigators are asking anyone with additional information about this incident to please contact the Sanford Police Department or Crimeline at 800 423-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimeline.org. Calls made to Crimeline remain anonymous.
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