Teen Dead, Another Hospitalized After Port Charlotte Shooting
Photo courtesy Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office
PORT CHARLOTTE — A confrontation between two teens ended in tragedy Saturday evening, July 5, when both opened fire on each other in a Port Charlotte neighborhood, leaving one dead and the other injured.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire around 5:20 p.m. in the 22000 block of Hernando Avenue. When deputies arrived on the scene, they found two males suffering from gunshot wounds. Deputies began lifesaving efforts before EMS personnel arrived and took over care.
Nineteen-year-old Michael Balunas sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was transported to a local hospital. He was later treated and released. Seventeen-year-old Anthony Steven Romero, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds, was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to investigators with the Major Crimes Unit, the two teens had an ongoing dispute that ultimately escalated into violence when both allegedly drew firearms and shot at each other.
“This did not need to happen,” said Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell in a statement. “The outcome of an argument has left two families forever changed. One young life lost, another facing prison, and a community mourning a senseless tragedy. When kids and guns come together, it more often than not ends in heartbreak.”
Sheriff Prummell also noted this was the second incident in 48 hours involving teenagers and firearms in the county. He urged parents and guardians to engage in open conversations with their children about peer relationships, conflict resolution, and the dangers of firearms.
The investigation remains active. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward.