Suspect in custody after elderly man is shot outside Leesburg market

LEESBURG, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - A suspect is in custody, accused of shooting an 80-year-old man outside a Leesburg grocery store.

Investigators say that Desmond Franquel Smith went up to the victim outside of the Sav-A-Lot in Southside Plaza and tried to carjack the man. 

When he refused, police say the Smith opened fire, shooting the victim in the leg.

Investigators say crimes like this are rare in the city.

"We don't have attempted carjacking’s and shootings to citizens. It's out of the norm." 

Bystanders jumped to the victim’s aide and tied his leg off with a belt to help stop the bleeding until paramedics arrived. He was taken to Ocala Regional Medical Center and released, according to the Leesburg Police Department.

Smith is being held on $262,000 bond.