Man arrested in investigation into deadly Daytona Beach drive-by shooting along busy roadway

ORLANDO, Fla. - Daytona Beach Police have arrested a person of interest in a deadly drive-by shooting that happened Wednesday afternoon. 

Devonte Smokes, 29, was arrested on multiple charges including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer after leading police on a high-speed chase that ended at Cedar Highlands Blvd. and Jimmy Ann Drive, according to investigators. 

Police towed a Chevy sedan from a residence after arresting the person of interest who was in a separate vehicle. Police said they are questioning him in connection to Wednesday afternoon’s homicide.

Devonte Smokes (Photo via Daytona Beach Police Department)

According to police, city traffic cameras captured video of the drive-by incident that happened earlier in the day. It appears to show two people on the passenger side of a dark-colored Kia extending their arms and shooting out of a window into a blue Hyundai. Officers are still looking for the Kia in which the suspects were traveling.

"Based on the traffic camera that we have at that intersection, we could see two arms extend out of the window and shots fired," said Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young. "Once we got behind the vehicle, it fled. We were about 90% sure that was the person we were looking for, so we did pursue the vehicle. Luckily, no one was hurt, and we have that person in custody."

The Hyundai had several bullet holes, both inside and outside the car. FOX 35 News counted at least thirteen evidence markers in the street that police placed down during their investigation.

"It’s a tragedy any way it happens. But for that to happen the way it did, to play out like that in broad daylight, that’s extremely brazen," Chief Young added.

The shooting happened right outside a 7-Eleven and a store called Artesian Pools. People who were driving up to the gas station expressed shock at seeing the heavy police presence. Triumph Ewila, a customer at the 7-Eleven, said he thought it was crazy something like this would happen in the middle of the day.

"I’m surprised. Concerned, slightly. That’s kind of what I’m feeling right now. Confused, but glad police were able to respond," Ewila said.'

Workers inside Artesian Pools did not want to be interviewed at length but told FOX 35 News they heard gunshots, sought cover, and called 911. By the time police could get there, the victim’s gunshot wounds had already taken hold.

Chief Young praised his police force as "the best in the business," which worked quickly to track down leads and comb through surveillance cameras. He also thanked the community for cooperating in the investigation.

"This is a very good community, and they don’t want to see this stuff happen," he added. 

Chief Young said he plans to have officers out all night aiming to catch anyone associated with the crime. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Daytona Beach Police Department.