GIFFORD —Authorities are searching for a suspect in a shooting that left one man injured near The Players Club bar in Gifford late Friday night.
The incident happened just before midnight, March 20, in the 4000 block of Old Dixie Highway, according to authorities.
Deputies found Stephan Cooper, 54, of Fort Pierce, bleeding from a gunshot wound, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
When he was leaving the bar he was approached by an unidentified black male suspect, described as standing between 5 foot 6 inches and 5 foot 10 inches tall, weighing 160 to 200 pounds, with short clean-cut hair and shaved face with a mustache, according to authorities. The unidentified suspect was described as being in his mid to late 20’s, wearing a royal blue shirt.
Cooper said that when the suspect approached him from behind his vehicle, he demanded money before discharging a weapon, striking Cooper once, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The unidentified suspect may have left in a small blue car, authorities said.
“When deputies arrived on scene, they observed between 40 and 60 people outside of the bar,” said Indian River County Sheriff’s Det. Ross Partee. “Somebody saw something that could help us solve this crime.”
Anyone who may have witnessed the events or has any information relating to this case is encouraged to contact Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS (8477) or through their website at www.tcwatch.org. You can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.