by Orange County, Florida — A woman was critically injured after being shot in the face early Sunday morning when she offered a man a ride outside a Wawa convenience store in Orange County, according to investigators.
Authorities say the shooting appears to have been unprovoked and occurred moments after the woman rolled down her car window to speak to someone she believed she knew.
Shooting occurred during early-morning stop
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 12:10 a.m. Sunday, when a man later identified as Jameson Delva, 20, contacted the victim asking for a ride home due to cold weather conditions.
Deputies said the woman met Delva near a smoke shop where she works. She was accompanied by her girlfriend, who was driving, and a third individual.
The group later stopped at a Wawa located at 12083 South Orange Blossom Trail so the driver could put air in a tire.
Victim offered ride moments before gunfire
As the vehicle prepared to leave the parking lot, the woman saw someone she believed to be Delva standing outside. Deputies said she rolled down her window to offer him a ride because of the cold.
Investigators said both the victim and the driver waved and called out to get the man’s attention
According to the arrest affidavit, the man then turned toward the vehicle, pulled out a firearm, and fired between three and five shots at the car.
The driver immediately fled the scene, turning onto South Orange Blossom Trail.
Victim rushed to hospital with gunshot wound
Deputies said the injured woman arrived at Hunter’s Creek Emergency Room around 12:50 a.m. by private vehicle with a gunshot wound to the face.
She was later transferred to Osceola Regional Medical Center for further treatment.
Due to her injuries, the woman was unable to speak but communicated with detectives by typing messages on a cellphone.
She told investigators she believed the shooter did not recognize her and may have mistaken her identity, according to the affidavit.
Surveillance footage and evidence recovered
Detectives reviewed surveillance footage from the Wawa, which allegedly showed Delva entering the store around 12:30 a.m., making a purchase, and exiting shortly before the shooting.
The footage also reportedly captured a blue vehicle resembling the victims’ car approaching the suspect before quickly leaving the parking lot.
Investigators recovered three 9mm shell casings from the scene and a projectile inside the victims’ vehicle, deputies said.
Suspect arrested following search warrant
Deputies identified Delva as the suspect and executed a search warrant at his residence later Sunday evening.
According to the affidavit, Delva made a spontaneous statement during the search, saying “I messed up. I love you,” before hugging his brother.
During the search, investigators found:
- Clothing matching what the suspect wore at the Wawa
- Several loose 9mm rounds
Delva was taken into custody without incident.
Charges filed
Delva was booked into the Orange County Jail and now faces multiple felony charges, including:
- Attempted second-degree murder
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Shooting into an occupied vehicle
Court records did not immediately indicate whether bond had been set.
Investigation ongoing
Deputies say the investigation remains active as detectives continue reviewing evidence and witness statements.
Authorities emphasized the incident highlights the unpredictable dangers of violent encounters, even in well-lit public locations.
The victim remains hospitalized as of the latest update. Her current condition has not been released.
What steps do you think convenience stores and parking lots can take to improve late-night safety? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
