FORT WORTH, FL – On Dec. 21 at approximately 11:45 a.m., officers responded to a shooting call at 5920 Vermillion Drive. Officers spoke with a tow truck driver who stated he was attempting to repossess a car when two male suspects approached him with guns in their hands. One suspect entered the driver’s seat of the vehicle while the second suspect, Julio Soto, 18, pointed a gun at the victim and demanded the victim “drop the vehicle.” The victim complied with Soto’s demands. Soto and the other suspect then opened fire at the victim, striking him in the left arm; he was able to drive away from the scene and take a photo of Soto.
Soto and multiple people, including a 7-year-old child, got into the vehicle and drove away. Officers contacted the company the vehicle was financed through and were able to activate its Global Positioning System (GPS). The vehicle, driven by Soto, fled from the officers at speeds of over 100 mph; it exited westbound I-20 at Hulen, striking a wall. Soto then drove the vehicle to Hulen Mall, striking the concrete barriers near Macy’s. All occupants of the vehicle attempted to flee on foot, leaving the 7-year-old child inside the vehicle. Officers apprehended two suspects; Soto and a female suspect fled from the scene. The female suspect is a juvenile; her name and age will not be released.
Investigators determined that Soto fired gunshots at the tow truck driver, evaded police, endangered the life of a 7-year-old child, and was unlawfully carrying a weapon. Four warrants have been issued for Julio Soto for each of these crimes (aggravated assault deadly weapon; abandoning/endangering a child; evading arrest; unlawful carrying of a weapon). He has not been located.
Anyone who has information on Soto’s whereabouts is asked to call 817-392-4576.