Sheriff Arnold Lanier

PRESS RELEASE

WAL-MART GANG SHOOTING

An email and rumors began Wednesday, 3/18/09 of a possible gang shooting at Wal-Mart. The email originated from the Tallahassee area. Such emails have occurred in the past several years in the areas of Memphis, TN, Greensboro, NC, Chicago and Texas as well as Georgia.

The Shootings were to be an initiation into a gang. Targeted victims were to be young females with small children, both black and white also white elderly males. This was to take place at Wal-Mart and Kmart including the gas pump areas.

Though many Hardee County residents were alarmed and alerted to this information, it turned out to be nothing but rumor. Local law enforcement took many precautions for safety with extra patrol and other means in the areas which could be at risk. Even though this Wal-Mart gang shooting was not credible, residents should always be cautious when out in the community shopping. Please do not hesitate to call our office about any similar information you may become aware of in the future.

We remain dedicated and available to your calls of concern.

Sheriff Arnold Lanier