Suspect arrested in DeLand shooting that left one injured.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

The Volusia County Sheriff's Office has arrested 17-year-old Tyler Lopez, who turned himself into the Volusia Sheriff's Office in DeLand early Monday morning on accusations of attempted first-degree murder, in connection to the August 4, 2023, shooting on South Brooks Avenue in DeLand.

The investigation into the incident encountered notable challenges due to limited cooperation from the victim involved. Despite these obstacles, diligent efforts by detectives have uncovered that the shooting originated from an ongoing dispute reignited by contentious Instagram posts.

Detectives also discovered Lopez's girlfriend, Tazaria Carter, 17, was present at the scene during the shooting, where, according to the Sheriff's Office, she facilitated Lopez's departure from the location, maintained contact with him in the aftermath, and purportedly attempted to obscure crucial details during the investigative process. Carter was apprehended last week on charges related to her alleged role as an accessory.

Lopez will be taken to the Volusia Family Resource Center for initial processing before transferring to the Department of Juvenile Justice. Carter is already in custody as of today.

The second shooting, which damaged a house and car on South Brooks Avenue, remains under investigation.