Escambia Sheriff: Suspect Arrested for Hotel Del Sol Shooting, FHP Pursuit and More

Escambia County, FL (NewsRadio 92.3) -- Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons joined Pensacola's Morning News Tuesday with several significant updates — leading with an arrest in last week's Hotel Del Sol shooting and a jaw-dropping story about a murder suspect who walked free despite confessing on video.

Hotel Del Sol Shooting — Arrest Made

A 23-year-old man is in custody in connection with last week's shooting at the Hotel Del Sol on Highway 29 that left one person dead and another injured. Sheriff Simmons says Keyshawn Warren was one of three acquaintances in a hotel room when he pulled out a handgun and opened fire — killing one and seriously wounding the other before fleeing over a fence. Warren apparently broke or severely injured his leg jumping the fence — surveillance video shows him limping away from the scene — and investigators found him at a local hospital being treated for the injury. The second victim was treated and released. Simmons says drugs may have been involved but the motive has not been confirmed.

The arrest generated significant attention online — not for the crime itself but because Warren's mugshot drew widespread disbelief that the suspect is only 23 years old. Simmons acknowledged the reaction with characteristic humor — noting the agency did not carbon date him but confirming his date of birth is August 1st 2002.

Murder Suspect Acquitted Despite Confessing on Video

Simmons shared a deeply frustrating case that illustrates the limits of what law enforcement can control once a case goes to a jury. A man charged with killing his father was acquitted — despite jurors hearing him confess on video during the investigation. Simmons says he disagrees with the verdict but says his agency trusts the system and will keep moving forward. He stopped short of pointing fingers at specific individuals but made clear he believes justice was not served.

FHP Pursuit — Tear Gas Ends Five-Hour Standoff

Florida Highway Patrol requested ECSO assistance after a suspect tried to run over a trooper during a traffic stop and fled armed with a handgun into an apartment. After hours of on-and-off negotiations ECSO deployed its Rook vehicle to lift tear gas to a second floor window — the suspect surrendered within minutes. Simmons called it a successful outcome given that nobody was seriously hurt.

Child Abuse Arrest

A 29-year-old Pensacola woman was charged with aggravated child abuse after disciplining her child with a metal broomstick — continuing even after the broomstick broke and the jagged edges began cutting the child. Simmons says the injuries were not life-threatening but says there is no ambiguity about whether the line into abuse was crossed.

Baseball Bat Attack

A 47-year-old Pensacola man was charged with attempted homicide after striking an acquaintance over the head with a baseball bat outside his home. Simmons says investigators believe the power to the victim's home may have been deliberately cut to lure him outside. The victim identified his attacker and the suspect was found and arrested days later.

Citizen Law Enforcement Academy

The ECSO Citizen Law Enforcement Academy is coming in August with approximately 40 seats available. Simmons says demand far exceeds availability and urges interested residents to watch the Escambia County Sheriff's Office social media pages closely — the application window will be announced in the coming weeks and fills up quickly.