Florida man facing attempted murder charges after I-4 shootings, woman mortally wounded

A shooting among rival gang members on motorcycles on Interstate 4 early Friday left multiple victims, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

An initial report said Florida deputies were investigating two calls to 911 that involved one motorcycle crash but two incidents that sent two victims to the hospital with gunshot wounds.

At the press conference, Judd said it was quickly determined during the investigation the incident was less of a motorcycle crash and more about the shooting.

Judd said Ronald Donovan, a motorcycle gang member, was riding on the highway with a 33-year-old Brevard County woman when two members of another motorcycle club passed them on the road.

Judd said the men were riding at more than 100 mph on the highway before Donovan shot one of the victims in the back. He is the person who initially reported he was shot while riding his motorcycle, according to Judd.

The victim returned fire at Donovan but struck Donovan’s female passenger in the head. Her gunshot wounds and subsequent falling off the bike were included in the initial report of her injuries.

During the press conference, Judd continuously corrected himself on the lady’s current status, frequently referring to her as deceased before doubling back to calling her “mortally wounded.”

Judd said deputies arrived to question Donovan about the incident and noticed he had two holsters but no guns. Judd said officials saw a man in “gang colors” riding away from Donovan. He believes there’s a chance that man might have left with evidence.

Judd noted Donovan didn’t cooperate with investigators during questioning.

Officials eventually arrested him for battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and attempted 2nd-degree felony murder for injuries the Brevard County woman sustained.

Judd noted that if she dies, those charges will increase to felony murder.

The sheriff also said they’re charging Donovan with attempted first-degree murder for the shooting of another victim.

Judd said the investigation is still ongoing and that there are independent witnesses they’ve spoken to corroborate a chain of events.