Longwood Man Arrested After Firing Shots at Juveniles Riding ATVs

Longwood police arrested 36-year-old David Allen Mertle after investigators say he fired multiple shots at two juveniles riding all-terrain vehicles inside the Bay Meadow Farms subdivision on the morning of March 7, 2026.

Officers responded to calls of shots fired in the subdivision, which sits within the city of Longwood in Seminole County. Investigators say Mertle discharged multiple rounds at the two juveniles, who were on ATVs at the time. Neither the weapon type nor the exact number of shots fired has been publicly disclosed.

Longwood police confirmed a man was taken into custody in connection with the shooting. The specific charges filed against Mertle, along with details about any injuries sustained by the juveniles, have not been released based on available information. No statements from law enforcement officials, witnesses, or family members have been made public.

The incident remains under investigation. Longwood Police Department has not issued a full press release detailing charges, booking information, or case number as of this reporting. Additional details, including the condition of the two juveniles and the circumstances that preceded the shooting, are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.