Page 8 - Florida Sentinel 5-22-20

Local
Police Investigate Five Shootings In Three Days
Several young adults have lost their lives to gun violence within the city limits of Tampa. The most recent took place last weekend at a downtown park and ended the life of an 18- year-old.
Mayor Jane Castor said, “The violence needs to stop. It is disheartening to see the sheer amount of senseless fights and shootings that are taking place in our neighborhoods especially at a time when our community continues to grapple with the life-threatening effects of COVID-19.
“I am urging all residents and community organizations who work with our youth to take a bold stand in denouncing gun violence before another young life is lost. Whether it’s providing anonymous informa- tion to law enforcement or step- ping up to mentor a troubled teen, we need everyone’s help in keeping our kids and neigh-
borhoods safe. Bullets don’t have names and this is a fact that none of us can afford to ig- nore.”
Since February, three ar- rests have been made and the other cases are under investiga- tion. The violence has claimed the life of one woman and seven men ranging in age from 18 to 36 years.
However, this past week- end, the violence seems to have hit an all time high with five
separate shootings being inves- tigated.
2K Express Shooting
The shootings began Satur- day evening when a shooting was reported at 7:22 p.m., at the 2K Express, 934 E. Hender- son Avenue. When officers ar- rived, they found a young man face down on the sidewalk. He had been shot in the head.
He was transported to Tampa General Hospital in crit-
ical condition. The latest condi- tion reported listed him as being on a ventilator, but alert.
A video at the scene showed a suspect vehicle pull into the parking lot of the business, drive out quickly, and flee east- bound on 7th Avenue.
Police said they could not obtain a description of the vehi- cle and that there were no wit- nesses. There weren’t any shell casings found at the location where the shooting erupted.
Curtis Hixon Park Shooting
The next shooting took place at Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N. Ashley, shortly after mid- night. The unidentified gun- man fled the scene after shooting 18-year-old Antonio “Jay Jay” McGuire, Jr. He died as a result of the shooting.
3600 Block of River Grove Dr.
Shortly after midnight on Monday, May 18th, police re- sponded to Tampa General Hospital in reference to a vic- tim suffering a gunshot. They were contacted after the victim went to the ER 24/7 Emergency & Urgent Care Center, 5324 E. Fowler Avenue.
During the investigation, detectives learned that the adult female victim was in the area to purchase marijuana. The suspect, described as a white man in his 20s, report- edly fired a gun. The bullet struck the victim, causing non- life threatening injuries.
9800 Block of N. 10th Street
Less than an hour later, at 1
a.m., Monday, police re- sponded to the 9800 block of N. 10th Street, in reference to a double shooting. One adult woman was shot in the leg and an adult man was shot in the arm.
During the investigation, detectives learned that 4 men in ski masks and dressed in all black were observed near the residence.
At least one of the suspects was armed with a firearm. After the shooting, the suspects fled the scene.
4600 Block of E. Troy Court
Shortly after 5;30 a.m., Tuesday, May 19th, officers were dispatched to the 4600 block of Troy Court. When officers ar- rived, they discovered an adult man had been shot in both legs. He received non-life threaten- ing injuries, and was trans- ported to a nearby hospital, police said.
Detectives launched an in- vestigation into the shooting and learned that a green pickup truck was observed in the area prior to the shooting. However, police have not confirmed it was linked to the shooting.
Ongoing investigations are underway in each of the inci- dents. Detectives are asking anyone with information about the shootings to contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the suspect.
Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay can be reached at 1-800- 873-TIPS or online at www.crimestopperstb.com.
PAGE 8-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020