Shooting Victim Remains In Serious Condition

LAKE PLACID - The investigation into the Saturday morning shooting and homicide at 242 Phoenix Ave., Lake Placid, continued Tuesday, as Highlands County Sheriff's detectives gathered information.

According to a sheriff's news release, an altercation at the Hideaway Lounge, located on U.S. 27, on the night of June 6, may have sparked off the fatal shooting.

"That's been confirmed in part," Sheriff's Investigator Lt. Tim Lethbridge said Tuesday. "We're involved; still investigating. We're still interviewing people who were there when it occurred."

Andrew John Kalinowski, 21, of Lake Placid, was booked on charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder - premeditated.

At 12:23 a.m. Saturday, Lake Placid Police officers were the first on scene at 242 Phoenix Ave., after responding to a 911 call.

They found Walter Enrique Vilchez, 27, of 331 Phoenix Ave., in Lake Placid, shot along with a second victim.

Vilchez was dead by the time Highlands County Emergency Medical Services personnel could get to him.

The second victim, Jose Franklin Escalante, 25, of Lake Placid, was flown to a regional trauma center where as of late Monday, he was listed in serious condition.

Both victims were shot once in the face, according to a sheriff's report.

After deputies spoke to witnesses, they put out a description of the suspect's vehicle, which was spotted by a patrol deputy.

Kalinowski was in custody by at 9:45 a.m. Saturday.

He had suffered some injuries during the fight at the Hideaway Lounge, Lethbridge said. Details of the fight and the shooting that later followed, were still under investigation.

"After the vehicle was stopped, he was detained and was taken to Florida Hospital Lake Placid and was treated," Lethbridge said.

Kalinowski also was arrested in February 2007 and charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana with intent to sell or deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was on probation at the time of his arrest, Lethbridge said.

Anyone with information, can call the Sheriff's Criminal Investigations Unit at 402-7200. Anonymous callers can dial Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).

Kalinowski remained in Highlands County Jail without bond Tuesday. His next court date was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. July 24.