LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A man was shot to death Monday night in a Walmart parking lot, deputies with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said.
About 7:15 p.m., officials took several 911 calls reporting the shooting outside the Walmart store on Citrus Boulevard in Fruitland Park.
Deputies and officers rushed to the location and found the victim. A medical team tried to save the man, who was identified as 44-year-old Mark Allen Estes, but he died before he could be taken to a hospital, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies are now searching for a 2011 red Toyota four-door Camry bearing Florida tag "YL46X" with at least two people inside. It was last seen leaving the south exit of the Walmart parking lot.
Officials said the shooting was likely related to drugs, as narcotics were found at the crime scene.
No other problems have taken place at this store, according to deputies, who added that it is typically a quiet area.
"What happened in our parking lot is upsetting and our thoughts are with the family of the victim," Wal-Mart said in a statement to News 6. "We are working with police as they conduct their investigation."
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call the Lake County Sheriff’s Office or Crimeline. The number for Central Florida Crimeline is 800-423-TIPS. A cash reward is available.