August 28, 2009
Gary Davidson
Public Information Officer

DELTONA TEEN INJURED IN DRVE-BY SHOOTING

A 13-year-old boy is recovering from a gunshot wound to the hand sustained in a drive-by shooting late Thursday night in Deltona. Volusia County Sheriff’s deputies investigating the shooting believe it was gang-related. No arrests have been made. 

The shooting occurred at about 11:40 p.m., in front of 1044 Wakefield Circle. The victim, Alexis Calderon, was outside working on a car at the time. Two older brothers and another boy, all teenagers, were also at the home. The victim said a white passenger car stopped in the street in front of his house and someone called out his name, so he walked towards the car. As he did, a passenger pulled out a handgun and fired at Calderon, striking him in the left hand. The victim’s brothers and the friend drove him to Florida Hospital Fish Memorial in Orange City and called authorities while on their way to the hospital. The victim was later transferred to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach.

The victim said he didn’t recognize the people in the car, believed to be a white, 4-door Nissan Altima with tinted windows and a spoiler. The other witnesses said they didn’t see who was in the car. Two of the witnesses refused to give written statements, and all of the people deputies spoke to -- including the victim -- said they had no idea why the shooting took place. One of the brothers, though, told dispatchers that they had been having problems with some people, but he didn’t elaborate. Based on their previous dealings with the victim and his family, deputies believe there might be gang involvement. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida, toll-free, at (888) 277-TIPS. Resident can also text a tip by texting “TIP231 plus the message” to CRIMES. Tipsters who provide information to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $1,000.