Police investigating gas station shooting between 'familiar' rival motorcycle gangs in Volusia County
The Brief
The New Smyrna Beach Police Department is actively investigating a shooting between what they say are "familiar" rival motorcycle gangs in Volusia County.
The shooting took place earlier today at a RaceTrac gas station in the 3000 block of State Road 44, reports show.
Two people were injured in the shooting, officials confirmed. Police said the injuries appear to be non-life-threatening.
Officials are asking the public to avoid the area at this time. The incident currently remains an active investigation.
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - The New Smyrna Beach Police Department is actively investigating a shooting between what they say are "familiar" rival motorcycle gangs.
The shooting took place during daylight hours at a gas station in a well-populated area of Volusia County.
What we know
The shooting took place earlier today in the 3000 block of State Road 44 at a RaceTrac, reports show.
Chris Kirk, interim police chief for the New Smyrna Police Department, said the shooting happened when a fight broke out between the gangs near the gas station's air pumps.
Two people were injured in the shooting, officials confirmed. However, police said the injuries appear to be non-life-threatening.
Kirk said the gangs fled from the gas station before law enforcement arrived.
Kirk stated that the police department is already familiar with both of the rival biker gangs.
Police have confirmed the motorcycle groups were in town for Daytona Bike Week, which started Feb. 28 and runs through Sunday.
"This isn't reflective of the overall biker population," Kirk said. "We have extra people on staff for Bike Week, and we will continue to have people on staff."
The Volusia County Sheriff's Office is also assisting with the investigation, a spokesperson said, although the New Smyrna Beach Police Department is the lead investigative agency. Other agencies helping include the Edgewater Police Department; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
"Obviously, something in the middle of the day like this is worst-case scenario for us, with bystanders and heavy beach traffic," Kirk said. "Thankfully, it appears that anyone who wasn't involved in the incident was not injured."
What we don't know
Police have not yet said what led to the shooting between the two groups.
Kirk said one suspect has been detained, but no official arrests have been made.
It is currently unclear how many people were involved in the fight.
Officials say the incident remains an active investigation, and they are asking the public to avoid the area at this time.
The New Smyrna Police Department is asking anyone with information on the shooting to call (386) 424-2220.
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The Source
This story was written based on information shared by the New Smyrna Beach Police Department on March 8, 2025, as well as information collected during an interview FOX 35's Stephanie Buffamonte did with Chris Kirk, interm police chief for the New Smyrna Police Department, on March 8, 2025.
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