Suspect arrested for shooting into a vehicle in Port Charlotte

A man has been arrested after being accused of shooting into a car in Port Charlotte Friday morning.

According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, suspect Aaron Simmons shot into a car in front of a home on Conway Boulevard near US-41.

Deputies believe that the victim, who is the owner of the vehicle, was targeted. Neighbors say she had just moved into the home on Thursday and that she called 911 herself.

“Pop, Pop, Pop… about eight or nine shots in a row.” That’s what a neighbor named Mike said he heard, adding, “I heard shots being fired and I looked out my front window and seen the guy take off running.”

After shooting at the car, the suspect ran away through backyards in the neighborhood, before K9 dogs were dispatched to find him.

Deputies say at some point along the way he dropped his gun.

Simmons went into a bike shop and asked if he could hide there, to which the bike shop said no.

Kimberly Campanella, Owner of Bicycle Center of Port Charlotte said, “My husband was outside and he was asking us if we would hide him and we said no. He said somebody is trying to kill him and somebody is after him … When we said no, he went out and approached a customer who is in the back parking lot and asked him for a ride.” The customer complied.

Deputies tracked down the customer’s car – not related to the crime – at a nearby carwash and arrested Simmons.

There were no injuries in the shooting, but deputies say Simmons knew the victim, who was inside with a baby at the time of the incident.

The suspect is being taken to jail, but the scene is still active. Multiple deputies, investigators, and the forensic unit are on the scene.

This story will be updated as more information is confirmed.