A performer was injured after he was shot early Monday morning outside The Barn in Sanford, police said.

  • Performer was shot around 2 a.m. Monday near The Barn's parking lot
  • Police have been called to The Barn 73 times since January
  • Witnesses are asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-8477

The Barn kicked off its Sunday night with a performance from Bezz Believe.

About 2 a.m., Dezje Williams, a fellow performer and member of Bezz Believe's entourage left the bar. Investigators said that's when Williams, 25, was shot several times near The Barn's parking lot.

"We heard what we thought were firecrackers, then we realized it was gunfire," said Scott Magowan, owner of The Barn.

Williams' family members told News 13 the man is known as Loose Kannon Takeoff. At last check, he was listed in stable condition at Central Florida Regional Hospital, according to the Sanford Police Department.

"We were informed that he was on stage performing in some capacity before the incident," said Bianca Gillett, spokeswoman with the Sanford Police Department. "We are not sure of the exact titles or purpose for being on stage."

Magowan estimates about 300 people were at the bar at the time of the shooting.

"We know that there were multiple people that were in this parking lot that witnessed what occurred," Gillett said. "We're asking (them) to please come forward and assist us so that we can we can seek justice for the victim of this crime."

No one else was injured in the shooting, police said.

The Sanford Police Department said officers have been called to The Barn 73 times for various crimes, including battery, since January. Four of the calls were for shots fired.

"I want people to come here and enjoy themselves and feel safe," Magowan said.

Two months ago, The Barn decided to stop hiring off-duty law enforcement officers to be on-site and instead hired a private security company. Magowan said that four to six armed certified security guards are on the property most nights.

When the bar anticipates larger crowds, a metal detector, security wands and pat-downs are used to secure the area, Magowan said.

"We do as much as we can to give them a sense of security when they are here," he added.

Following the Monday morning shooting, The Barn's owners have been asked to meet with local law enforcement officials Tuesday to discuss what needs to be done to decrease the amount of criminal activity taking place at the bar.

Investigators are searching for the shooter.

Anyone who witnessed the shooting is asked to call the Sanford Police Department at 407-688-5070 or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).