Two 17-year-olds from Deltona have been arrested in connection to a shooting that left a 19-year-old victim in critical condition. Geiziel Vazquez and Marco Barillas have both been issued weapons charges in relation to the Thursday night incident.
The dispute that led to the shooting is said to have begun Thursday afternoon in the parking lot of High Sense Smoke Shop, the Volusia Sheriff's Office says. The 19-year-old victim reportedly approached a group with a gun in his hand, leading Vazquez to brandish his own gun and shoot, the VSO says. The victim was shot in the face.
After the shooting, Barillas (the victim's brother) was said to have retrieved his brother's gun and hidden it in the woods near the incident. He was charged with possession of a firearm by a minor, evidence tampering, and violation of probation. Vazquez, meanwhile, was charged with possession of a firearm by a minor and carrying a concealed firearm.
The shooting victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was said to have been in critical condition. He was reportedly shot 'near his mouth'. As of the most recent update by the VSO, he has not been reported to have succumbed to his wounds. Other charges may be issued against those involved pending an ongoing investigation.
