Suspected teenagers, considered “armed and dangerous”, are now behind bars; the victim is still hospitalized

ARCADIA, Florida — Two teenagers who the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) deemed “armed and dangerous” turned themselves in Thursday morning.

Carlos Manuel Lopez, 19, and Jevani Luna, 13, are wanted for attempted murder in connection with the shooting that took place in DeSoto County on Sunday.

The morning after DCSO and Fox 4 released photos of the two wanted teenagers, the duo turned themselves in around 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

The teenage duo were arrested on charges of attempted murder and both were registered as adults. Sheriff Potter said they were connected, but didn’t say how.

According to DeSoto County Sheriff James Potter, the victim, who was shot in the back, is still in the hospital.

“It’s scary because there’s so much going on right here in this area, especially here in Hillsborough,” says Audrey Gainus.

Gainus has lived right across the Southeast Hillsborough country road since the 1960s.

I usually know what’s going on in the area, but that night I wasn’t here after 10pm, so I missed most of the action,” Gainus said.

The action she’s referring to is the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department’s response to Ambra Cay and Hillsborough Road on Sunday night. When the DCSO arrived, they found the victim lying on the side of the road with a gunshot wound. There are no sidewalks or streetlights on the road.

“The victim is about 20 years old,” Sheriff Potter said. “Most importantly, our hearts and prayers go out to the victim’s family, as well as to the victim herself.”

As for the people living in the area, they say they are just trying to understand how this could have happened. “I think it’s about how you live and what situation you live in. I think a lot of it has to do with how your parents raised you,” said another resident of the area who did not wish to be named.

The DCSO cannot give much information about the extent of the 13-year-old Luna’s involvement because the investigation is still in its preliminary stages. However, Sheriff Potter demands responsibility from everyone.

“If you are an adult, be a good mentor, be a good leader, because we have people who have gone astray at some point in their lives,” Sheriff Potter said.

The weapon from which, according to investigators, was fired, has not yet been found. If you have any information on the case, you are asked to contact forensics.