A Winter Haven man is behind bars charged with Manslaughter after a shooting along Ave. H NW in Winter Haven resulted in the death of a 27 year-old man.
On Monday, January 13, 2025 at approximately 4:37 p.m., Winter Haven Police responded to a 9-1-1 call involving a shooting in the roadway on Ave. H NW in Winter Haven. The caller, 35 year-old Andre Sequan Harris (DOB 1-4-90, Homeless) stated to the operator he, “had to shoot my friend.”
Winter Haven Police along with Winter Haven Fire responded and started rendering aid to the victim who was lying on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds. Ultimately, Polk County Fire Rescue transported the victim to the Winter Haven Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
According to a witness at the scene, the two men had been arguing in the parking lot on the back-side of the Ave H NW duplexes just prior to the incident. Harris left the scene in his black Ford F150 leaving the victim in the parking area. The victim ultimately walked to the front side of the duplex, along Ave. H NW, when Harris came back asking the witness where the victim had gone. When learning the victim walked to the Ave. H NW side of the duplex, Harris drove around and confronted the victim. The witness, who had retreated into the duplex, heard a spray of gunshots, which two entered into the residence. Nobody inside of the residence was injured.
When detectives arrived, they located seven shell casings scattered across the roadway, along with two holes in the witness’ residence directly in front of the scene. The victim was lying on the sidewalk directly next to the truck. Harris, who remained on scene, was taken to the Winter Haven Police Department to be interviewed. Harris claimed that he and the victim had been arguing over money and some items that Harris had lent the victim. The argument turned physical when Harris left in his truck leaving the victim in the parking area.
When encountering the victim again, Harris got out of his truck and retrieved his Ak-47 rifle and walked to the back of the truck. Harris claimed that the victim, who is known to carry a K-bar Knife in his sleeve, started to approach Harris with the knife extended. Harris fired the weapon striking the victim five times. Once on scene, officers found the victim with the knife still tucked into his sleeve and not extended as Harris claimed.
Harris is being charged with one count of Manslaughter (F-1), Shooting into a Dwelling (F2) and Discharge of Firearm in Residential Area. Harris was transported to the Polk County Jail where he remains with no bond.
“It is a miracle that innocent bystanders were not injured or worse with this reckless behavior,” said Police Chief Vance Monroe. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family as they face the future without their loved one.”
Chief Monroe went on to say, “I am extremely proud how our officers and detectives worked diligently for a swift resolution to this case bringing justice to the victim’s family.”
The post Winter Haven Man Charged with Manslaughter After Shooting in Winter Haven first appeared on Winter Haven Daily.