Groundskeeper injured in shooting at City of Palms Park

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Fort Myers police are searching for the gunman in a shooting Tuesday night at the City of Palms Park on Edison Avenue.

The victim, a groundskeeper at the stadium, initially called authorities after catching a suspicious person looking into cars, said Fort Myers Police Chief Dennis Eads.

As officers arrived on the scene to investigate, the groundskeeper was speaking with an official through the patrol car’s window when the shots were fired. The victim was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital as a trauma alert.

The shooting happened as teams were on the field during the Roy Hobbs Baseball tournament, temporarily halting the games. Teams are back on the field on Wednesday with an increased security presence.

“I talked to the two teams that were scheduled to play here this morning and explained to them what had happened, and we discussed it. And I asked them to go talk to some of their teammates, and they did, and they both got back to me and said ‘let’s play,'” said Tom Giffen, owner of Roy Hobbs Baseball.

Police are asking any witnesses to come forward as the investigation continues. If you have any information, call the Fort Myers Police Department at 239-321-7700, or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or text message C-R-I-M-E-S (274637) Keyword FMPD. Tipsters can remain anonymous. All updates will be issued via email.