The Lakeland Police Department said Wednesday they had made two arrests in a Jan. 30 mass shooting.
The drive-by shooting happened on Iowa Avenue and Plum Street, affecting 11 victims. All of the suspects have been identified but only two are in custody.
It has been just over two weeks since the shooting occurred, and officers feel this case is close to justice, the department said. DNA found on the vehicle led to the arrest of Nicholas Hanson and Marcus Mobley. The Chief of Police Sammy L. Taylor Jr. said they feel confident that these are their suspects but there is still evidence to consider further.
The suspects are facing up to 15 years in federal prison if found guilty.
The event rattled the Lakeland area, surprising even the long-tenured police force that protects the area.
“This is something that doesn’t happen in Lakeland,” Taylor said on Jan. 30. “I’ve been here 34 years … and I can tell you I have never worked an event where this many people have been shot at one time. Ever.”
The federal charges were released today at the press conference. Marcus Dewonn Mobley Jr., a 22-year-old, was charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Nicholas Hanson, 32, was charged with possessing ammunition as a convicted felon.
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