Georgia Arrests Suspect in Bradenton Bar Shooting

Key Information

• Incident Date: Overnight hours of Nov. 29
• Location: Absolute Sports Lounge, 15th St E, Bradenton
• Victims: A 25-year-old man and four bystanders
• Injuries: Non-life-threatening; all victims released from hospital
• Suspect: Ronnie D. Morton III, 23 years old
• Charges: Five counts of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, Felony Possession of a Firearm, Armed Robbery
• Current Status: In Chatham County Jail, pending extradition to Manatee County

In the early hours of November 29, just before 1 a.m., a shooting took place in the parking lot of the Absolute Sports Lounge located on 15th St E in Bradenton. Ronnie D. Morton III reportedly brandished a handgun during an argument, firing multiple rounds towards a 25-year-old man. The intended target sustained several gunshot wounds, while four bystanders were also struck by stray bullets.

Fortunately, all individuals involved survived the incident, with none suffering life-threatening injuries. They have since been discharged from the hospital.

Morton, aged 23, was apprehended by the Savannah Police Department after authorities in Bradenton tracked his movements to an Amtrak train en route to North Carolina. His cell phone’s location was pinged on railroad tracks just north of Jacksonville on the evening of December 7, indicating he was heading into Georgia.

In response, detectives orchestrated a collaborative operation involving Amtrak Police and the Savannah Police Department, resulting in Morton’s capture at a train station in Savannah early that Sunday morning.

Morton faces multiple charges, including five counts of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, Felony Possession of a Firearm, and Armed Robbery stemming from a previous warrant in Manatee County. He remains in custody at the Chatham County Jail and is set to be extradited to Manatee County in the near future.

Detectives are currently investigating to identify another male who was seen in a vehicle with Morton at the time of the shooting. This individual is described as a black male wearing a black and silver shirt with the number 77. Authorities are encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at (941) 747-3011. Alternatively, tips can be provided anonymously to Manatee County Crime Stoppers at (866) 634-TIPS or through ManateeCrimeStoppers.com.