27-year-old man wounded by gunfire outside Lakeland nightclub

LAKELAND — Lakeland police are searching for a shooter who wounded a 27-year-old man in Lakeland Town Center's parking lot early Thursday morning.

Officers were patrolling the area of Lakeland Town Center, 917 E. Memorial Blvd., early Thursday morning as a local business was closing after a concert. A large crowd had gathered outside the business in the shopping plaza.

About 2:20 a.m., officers heard shots in the parking lot, according to LPD spokeswoman Robin Tillett. Police found a 27-year-old man lying in the parking lot with gunshot wounds, and he was transported to the hospital for treatment. The man was able to speak with emergency responders and was in stable condition.

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The suspected shooter reportedly fled from the scene in a vehicle, according to Tillett. No further details about the vehicle's make or model were provided.

LPD detectives do not think the shooting was a random act, and are continuing to follow investigative leads at this time, Tillett said. It remains an open and active investigation.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Detective Russ Hurley at  863.834.8973 or Russell.hurley@lakelandgov.net.  

Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Follow on Twitter @SaraWalshFl.