Authorities in Sanford are investigating a deadly deputy-involved shooting involving Seminole County deputies and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), according to a report. The incident occurred when deputies were responding to a disturbance described as a block party.
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) officials said shots were fired during the process of breaking up the block party. The statement indicates that the encounter escalated to gunfire and resulted in at least one death. SCSO reported that one deputy shot and killed a suspect during the incident.
While the report confirms the fatal shooting, details about what led to the gunfire and the precise sequence of events are still limited. Investigators are continuing to gather information, including witness accounts and other evidence from the scene.
SCSO also said there was evidence of a second shooter. This information suggests that the situation may have involved more than one armed individual or that additional gunfire occurred beyond the shots fired by the deputy who ultimately fatally shot one suspect. Authorities have not yet released further specifics on the identity of the second shooter, their status, or how investigators determined that a second person fired shots.
Given the involvement of a deputy and the fatal outcome, FDLE has joined the investigation. FDLE typically investigates incidents that involve law enforcement officers to ensure an independent review of the circumstances and to help determine whether the use of force followed applicable policies and state laws.
The reported use of force occurred in the context of deputies responding to a gathering described as a block party. The fact that the shooting happened while deputies were breaking up the event adds context to the investigation, indicating that law enforcement involvement began with crowd control or managing an unlawful or dangerous gathering. However, the report does not yet explain whether the block party was illegal, what specific allegations prompted the response, or whether any initial threats were made.
As the investigation continues, officials are expected to clarify multiple unresolved questions, including: what triggered the confrontation; whether the suspect(s) were armed prior to the shooting; whether the deputy gave any warning before firing; how many shots were fired by each party; and the role of the alleged second shooter. Investigators will likely also examine physical evidence such as shell casings, surveillance video, and body-camera footage if available.
Officials have not released the names of the deputy or the suspect in the provided information, nor have they provided age details, charges, or confirmation of whether the second shooter was located. Additionally, the report does not specify whether any other injuries occurred, either to deputies, bystanders, or the suspects involved.
Because the incident happened in Sanford, community members may be seeking answers about public safety and how the situation developed so quickly from law enforcement intervention to lethal force. Investigators will likely address concerns about what deputies encountered and what factors influenced the decision to use deadly force.
At this stage, the key facts reported are that SCSO deputies were breaking up a block party when shots were fired; a deputy shot and killed one suspect; and SCSO said there was also a second shooter. FDLE is now investigating, and more details are expected as authorities continue their review.
Until additional information is released, the public will have to rely on the limited preliminary statements. Investigators are expected to provide further updates as the case develops, including any findings on the second shooter and a more complete understanding of how and why the deadly shooting occurred. Source: Matt Trezza FOX 35.
Matt Trezza FOX 35: Seminole County Deputies and FDLE investigating a deadly deputy-involved shooting in Sanford. SCSO says shots fired as deputies were breaking-up a block party. A deputy shot and killed one suspect, SCSO says there was also a second shooter. Waiting on more details. #FOX35. #breaking
— @Fox35Matt May 1, 2026