1 dead in shooting at Putnam County cyber cafe

Derwin Davis, 33, dies after robbery attempt at business

PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. – A 33-year-old man died Thursday after being shot in the leg during a robbery attempt at a Putnam County cyber cafe, deputies said.

Deputies are still searching for the gunman who opened fire about 4:30 a.m. Thursday at Rosie's Cyberspace on U.S. 17 in the San Mateo area and hit customer Derwin Davis in the leg.

They have only a vague description of the shooter, saying he was a dark-skinned black male.

Investigators said that the robbery attempt began in the parking lot when another customer was leaving the business and spilled back inside the building. Somehow, Davis was shot in the leg, and died at a hospital from his injuries.

It's unclear if the gunman left in a car or ran away.

Another man also showed up at the Putnam Community Medical Center with a head injury. Deputies believe it to be related to the incident at the cyber cafe.

There were several witnesses to the shooting at the 24-hour business, and police said that they are continuing to interview witnesses.

"They give us a clean, safe place to all be together. It breaks my heart that this had to happen and cast a bad light on a place that we all really love," customer Linda Woodham said. "I hope they get who did this, so this doesn't happen again."

A look into Davis' background shows he was convicted of aggravated manslaughter of a child, and spent 11 years behind bars before being released in 2015.

Deputies ask for anyone with information about the shooting to call the Putnam County Sheriff's office at 386-329-0801 or First Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS. Anyone providing information that leads to an arrest may eligible for a reward.


About the Author:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.