On Sunday, September 22, 2024, at approximately 1 a.m., a fatal shooting occurred in Port St. Lucie, Florida, resulting in the death of 53-year-old Daniel Sanders. The incident took place at the intersection of Southwest California Boulevard and Southwest Greenan Lane. Sanders, who was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, was found with multiple gunshot wounds and a bullet hole in the gas tank of his motorcycle. He also suffered a head injury from a subsequent motorcycle crash.
Sanders was airlifted to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, where he was pronounced dead an hour later.
The investigation revealed that the shooting was linked to a dispute involving rival motorcycle clubs. Sanders, a known member of the recently disbanded Rough Riders Motorcycle Club, had been seeking membership with the Pagans. Earlier that night, Sanders had gotten into a fight with someone at The Office Sports Pub, located at 8589 S U.S. Highway 1, about an hour before the shooting. This altercation is believed to have triggered the events leading to his death.
Three individuals, affiliated with the Outlaws Motor Club but not "patch" members, were arrested in connection with Sanders' death. Victor Omar Alvarez, 23, is alleged to have shot at Sanders from the passenger seat of a blue Nissan Sentra. The driver of the car was identified as Driscoll, who actively pursued Sanders at speeds of up to 100 mph. A third suspect, Gonsalves, was in the back seat during the shooting and later attempted to fabricate details and create a false alibi by having a bar receipt forged.
Surveillance video played a crucial role in identifying the suspects and the suspect vehicle. The trio was called to the bar after Sanders' fight and saw a group of motorcyclists they believed were involved in the altercation. They followed Sanders, leading to the fatal shooting. The suspects were found a few hours later, about five miles away on SE Glover Street, off SE Thanksgiving Avenue.
The Port St. Lucie Police Department emphasized that while there are ties to motorcycle clubs in the area, detectives are still working to determine the exact motive behind the shooting. The three suspects are being held without bond in the St. Lucie County Jail. The community has expressed shock and concern over the incident, describing the neighborhood as typically safe and quiet.
