Update: GPD arrests suspect in drug deal homicide

Update: Gainesville Police Department (GPD) detectives arrested Stephen Denard Hutchinson, 28, in connection with the Sunday shooting incident that occurred near Evergreen Cemetery, according to a GPD press release.  

Hutchinson is charged with homicide murder in the first degree premeditated and his bond is set at $2 million. 

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Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officers responded to Woodland Park for a person shot Sunday evening following an alleged drug deal.

GPD reported in a press release that around 9:30 p.m. officers were called to 2000 SE 3rd Terrace, where they located an adult male with a single gunshot wound to the torso. Emergency responders transported the victim to UF Shands Health, where he died from his injuries.

The investigation revealed that the shooting occurred earlier in the 2200 block of SE 12th Terrace. Police believe the deal took place east of Evergreen Cemetery.

The vehicle driver, an eyewitness passenger and the victim fled from the location to Woodland Park, where they called police.

GPD has identified a person of interest. It is asking anyone with information concerning the incident to contact detectives McCazzio (352-393-7611), Mullins (352-393-7619) or Boyett (352-393-7672). For anonymous tips, contact the Alachua Crime Stoppers at 352-372-7867 or click here for the website.

This marks the fourth county shooting homicide since Oct. 10. The Alachua Police Department responded to two homicides—one on Oct. 10 at a block party near Research Drive and another on Oct. 31 at Maude Lewis Park—and GPD another on Oct. 12 at the Green Apple Store.

GPD held a gun buyback event on Oct. 30 after a wave of gun violence erupted in Gainesville throughout the summer that prompted the creation of a gun violence plan.

GPD said it believes Sunday’s shooting is an isolated incident and not related to a rise in violent crime.