LEESBURG, Fla. – Two bikers were each shot three times at a convenience store near the Leesburg Bikefest, and one of them was wearing a ballistic vest, the Leesburg Police Department said Sunday.
David R. Donovan, 41, and Marc E. Knotts, 48, who police said are members of different motorcycle clubs, are listed as stable at nearby hospitals. Officers didn’t say which of the men wore the vest.
The shooting happened about 8:05 p.m. Saturday at the Circle K at 3300 West Main St.
The incident started with an argument between members of two motorcycle groups and then escalated to gunfire, officers told News 6.
Police are calling the shooting an isolated incident. Officers aren't releasing details on what led to the gunfire, and they haven’t named either of the groups involved.
The shooting happened a couple miles away from downtown during the middle of the Leesburg Bikefest. Organizers call it "the world's largest three-day motorcycle and music event."
Leesburg Partnership CEO Joe Shipes told News 6 he hates to associate the shooting with Bikefest because it was not within its venue, and he added, "We never had an issue in the 21 years of our event."
The Leesburg Partnership organizes Bikefest.
Shipes said the organization works hard to make the downtown an attractive place for everyone to enjoy.
Police said there will be an enhanced law enforcement presence in the Leesburg area for the remainder of the event.
Police and the Leesburg Partnership told News 6 they won't make any changes to security in light of the shooting, and said what is in place has worked for decades.
Bikers agreed, saying they felt safe while enjoying the event.
Stay with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates on this story.