PPD seeks "intended target" in shooting

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - A number of shootings in just the last two months may be connected with a “family feud.”

Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward spoke out about gun violence in July.

"This is definitely not the image any city in America or the state of Florida wants to portray," said Hayward.

Officials are taking notice of a big problem; six shootings in the past two months.

The most recent was Tuesday night at Attucks Court.

"They come through shooting. Everybody scattered out running. We all took off running over 50 people running scared for their life," said a witness.  

Police say Angela Brinson, 41, an innocent bystander, was struck a number of times.

Police say an officer spotted a man running that matched the description of a suspect. He ordered the man to get down, but instead police say they exchanged gun fire. The suspect, Terrance Abrams was shot and killed by the officer.

Rodriges George witnessed the shooting and says it was an injustice.

"He has always been a close friend to us and this entire project," said George.

The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation but the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Police say the shootings may be related to the December killing of Keondrick Abrams, 17. Two men were arrested for that crime, James Dortch and Novel Austin. Both were charged with one count of attempted homicide and one count of premeditated homicide.

Detective James Reese said since the December shootings, Pensacola Police have investigated several incidents where shots were fired involving members of the Abrams family threatening the Dortch family.

Captain David Alexander says they are trying to figure out if this recent shooting is related.

"This has sort of been an ongoing issue and with some of the common people involved and certainly we have concerns that there may be other incidents that will be as a result of this," said Alexander.

Police say a shooting on West Jackson Street on August 7 may also be related. Rufus Abrams, Keondrick Abrams cousin was arrested for that crime.

"It’s not like in the movies where you get to change the channel and go on about your business. We have to live with whatever happens when these guns are fired regardless to what neighborhood they are fired in so it’s a serious matter," said Alexander.

Police have increased patrols around Pensacola and have also started a task force to try and cut down on gun violence.

Police are looking for the intended target in last nights shooting. If you know where they are, call Pensacola Police.