(Akeem Smith, Photo Courtesy Volusia County Jail)
EARLIER REPORTING: DeLand, FL - The Volusia County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shootout between two men in DeLand that took the life of 26-year-old Akeem Smith late Sunday. Deputies responded to reports of shots fired just before 11 p.m. in the area of Holly Boulevard and North Parkway Street. One of the 911 calls came from a family on Parkway Street who heard gunshots, then heard someone at their front door. When they looked outside, they saw Smith lying on their front porch, bleeding. Deputies got Smith to safety and then took cover while looking for the other shooter. The shooter had called the police to report that he had shot Smith after Smith shot at him first. Smith was taken via ambulance to Florida Hospital DeLand, where he was pronounced dead. The investigation is active and ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they’re available. Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2016.