DeLand authorities are intensifying their investigation into a tragic and violent incident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, May 3, 2025. A deadly shooting erupted inside McCabe’s Bar, a well-frequented nightlife spot nestled in the heart of downtown DeLand at 225 N. Amelia Avenue. The shocking act of violence has left the local community rattled, claiming the life of a young DeLand resident and injuring a bartender who was simply caught in the chaos.

According to preliminary reports from the DeLand Police Department, the shooting unfolded shortly after 1:00 a.m. during what was described as a typically busy weekend night at the bar. Witnesses recounted hearing a heated exchange escalate into gunfire within seconds. The primary victim, identified as 32-year-old Keshod Harris, a local man known to frequent McCabe’s, sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the chest.

Emergency medical personnel arrived swiftly on the scene and administered first aid before transporting Harris to a nearby hospital. Despite valiant efforts by trauma surgeons and emergency staff, Harris was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. His death has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit DeLand community, where he was widely known and remembered for his affable personality and involvement in youth outreach programs.

In addition to Harris, a female bartender whose name has not been publicly released suffered a gunshot wound to the arm. She was treated at the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. Authorities believe she was not an intended target but was instead injured in the crossfire as the suspect opened fire inside the establishment.

Witnesses describe the shooter as a male, possibly in his late 20s to early 30s, who fled the scene immediately following the shooting. Surveillance footage is currently being reviewed by law enforcement, and police have launched a full-scale manhunt throughout the city and surrounding areas. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, though investigators are exploring whether the act was premeditated or the result of a spontaneous altercation.

“We are dedicating all available resources to identify and apprehend the person responsible for this senseless act,” said DeLand Police Chief Jason Umberger during a press briefing held Saturday morning. “Our thoughts are with the family of Mr. Harris during this devastating time, and we urge anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual to come forward.”

Detectives are interviewing witnesses, reviewing digital evidence, and encouraging any bar patrons who may have captured footage of the incident to share it with the department. Local business owners in the downtown district have also been asked to check security cameras for any suspicious activity before or after the shooting.

McCabe’s Bar, a well-established venue popular among both locals and college students from nearby Stetson University, has temporarily closed its doors as investigators process the crime scene and collect evidence. In a statement shared via social media, the bar’s management expressed condolences to the family of Keshod Harris and thanked patrons for their continued support during what they called “an unthinkable tragedy.”

As the manhunt continues, residents of DeLand are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. A $5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to contact the DeLand Police Department at (386) 626-7400 or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida.

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