On August 20, 2014 at approximately 2:25 pm, Bartow Police Officers and Detectives responded to Mary Holland Park in Bartow regarding a reported shooting. Upon arrival, Officers located the victim, John Walters, 31. Walters had been shot in the abdomen by the suspect, Brendon Bass, 31.
Bass fled the scene prior to police arrival, however, contacted police shortly thereafter claiming self defense. The victim was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center due to his injuries. He is currently in stable condition and expected to recover.
The State Attorney’s Office has been contacted and briefed regarding the investigation. The investigation is still active and possible charges are pending at this time.
As a result of the incident, Police alerted the Bartow Middle School and Floral Avenue Elementary placing them into a “lock down” status for approximately 20 mintues. This was done due to their proximity to the incident.
As more information is obtained, follow up releases will follow.
