Page 19 - Florida Sentinel 5-21-19

Crime
Rider Charged In Stabbing Death Of Bus Driver
Couple Wanted
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
A 35-year-old man has been charged in the stabbing death of a HART bus driver. The incident took place Sat- urday afternoon.
According to the Tampa Police Department, the unidentified male Hillsbor- ough Area Regional Transit driver was killed shortly after 4 p.m. The bus was traveling southbound on Ne- braska Avenue, between Lotus and E. Castle Court.
After the stabbing, the man, later identified as Justin Ryan McGriff, fled the scene.
Witnesses told police that the man and the bus driver became engaged in an argu- ment. At some point during the argument, McGriff is alleged to have stabbed the driver and fled the scene and ran toward Interstate 275. Officers later found a person matching the description of the suspect. He was initially charged with resisting arrest without bond. However, on Sunday, detectives upgraded the charge to first-degree murder.
Shoplifting Spree
THOMAS DUNN
The victim in the stab- bing has been identified as Thomas Dunn, a three- year employee of HART. In December 2018, Dunn had addressed the HART Board and discussed safety issues for its drivers.
Detectives talked with passengers on the bus as well as reviewed the video from the bus. They have not determined a clear motive for the stabbing. The investi- gation is continuing.
Commissioner Comments
JUSTIN RYAN McGRIFF ... Charged with first-degree murder
man of the Hillsborough County Board of Commis- sioners said, “The investiga- tion is continuing. It appears to be an unfortunate, ran- dom act of violence that oc- curred on one of our buses.
“I’ve met with officials and we are going to do what- ever we can to make people feel safe. We want our driv- ers to feel safe and we want our passengers to feel safe. We are going to make some changes to bring this about and it is probably going to cost a lot of money, but we have to figure out how to get it done.”
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is searching for two people involved in several thefts. The thefts, which have a total value of more than $4,000, took place at two Brandon busi- nesses.
According to police, the thefts took place between April 25th and May 15th. The two individuals reportedly removed several items in- cluding generators, pressure washers, and power tools from the two Home Depot lo- cations at 10151 Blooming- dale Avenue, and 9941 E. Adamo Drive.
Police said similar crimes have also taken place at Home Depot stores in the City of Tampa.
The Black female suspect is described as being 5’3” to 5’6”, with a medium build and between the ages of 25 and 32 years.
The Black male suspect is described as being between 6’ and 6’3”, with a thin build and between the ages of 40
BOTH HOME DEPOT SUSPECTS
and 50 years.
They were last seen driv-
ing a light colored Honda Ac- cord 4 door, with a sunroof, and the vehicle appears to have wheel covers.
Anyone who recognizes the suspects is asked to con- tact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247- 8200; or Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873- TIPS; or online at www.crimestopperstb.com.
For $4,000
Les Miller, Jr., Chair-
Police Investigate Fatal
UNCLE SANDY
Shooting At Tampa Mosque
A deadly shooting took place at the Islamic Society of Tampa Bay Mosque, 7326 E. Sligh Av- enue. The man found holding the gun is cooperating with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Of- fice.
Find peace 2, 15, 28, 34, 49 in what you cannot change 4, 18, 47, 50, 55.
Detectives are investigat- ing a shooting that took place early Monday. An off-duty deputy was at the location when the incident took place.
According to the Hillsbor- ough County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy had just finished working security detail at the Islamic Society of Tampa Bay Mosque, 7326 E. Sligh Av-
enue, shortly after midnight. The deputy heard gunshots coming from the parking lot of the Mosque.
When he arrived, he found a man holding a gun and an- other man who had been shot at least twice. The deputy de- tained the man found holding the gun until other units ar- rived.
The unidentified victim was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Detectives believe that the two men knew each other and both were at the Mosque at- tending prayer services. The alleged shooter is cooperating with the investigation and no charges have been filed.
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2019 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 19