Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 3-28-17

Features
Workshop Planned To Open Communication Between Residents And Law Enforcement
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On Thursday, March 30th, members of the community will attend a workshop enti- tled Hillsborough Speaks. The purpose of the workshop is to bring about innovative communication strategies between residents and law enforcement.
The workshop will take place at Middleton High School, corner of N. 22nd Street and E. Osborne Av- enue, from 5:45 p.m. until 9 p.m. Residents wishing to at- tend are requested to regis- ter at www.bit.ly/2mJw1zp.
Freddy Barton, Execu- tive Director of Safe & Sound Hillsborough said this is the first of four interactive work- shops that utilizes this strat- egy to foster relations between citizens and law en- forcement.
“Hillsborough Speaks! creates safe spaces for au- thentic dialogue about our experiences of difference, in- cluding, but not limited to race. Having these conversa- tions is critical to moving all of us forward, bringing the
community closer together, and ensuring that Hillsbor- ough County remains safe, inclusive and accepting of all,” Barton stated.
The goals of the organiza- tion is to: increase awareness and understanding of police practices; strengthen inter- personal relationships through the sharing of per- sonal stories and experi- ences; develop trust and sensitivity to support inter- actions with one another; and to expand citizen en- gagement.
During the workshop, small groups will be estab- lished that include citizens and members of law enforce- ment.
The workshop is designed for residents 15 years and older. Everyone wishing to attend is required to register.
A light dinner will be served at 5:45 p.m., and res- idents will be seated by 6:15 p.m. The workshop will take place from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.
For additional informa- tion visit www.safeand- soundhillsborough.org.
USF Athlete Shot 3 Times Charged In Road Rage Incident
Last Saturday night police launched an investigation after a shooting incident that left a college athlete suffering gunshot wounds. On Mon- day, police arrested the ath- lete while he was still hospitalized and charged him.
According to a spokesman for the Tampa Police Depart- ment, shortly after 11 p.m., Saturday, reports of shots being fired at an apartment complex were received by po- lice. When police arrived at the Eagles Point Apartments, 14551 N. 46th Street, in New Tampa, they discovered a man had been shot three times.
The victim was identified as 22-year-old Hassan Childs, a senior football player at the University of South Florida. Childs was transported to a local hospi- tal, where he was listed in stable condition. He was shot once in the upper right arm, once in the torso, and once beneath his arm.
Police have identified the shooter as 26-year-old Jo- vanni Jimenez, of Tampa.
Jimenez told police that Childs had pointed a gun at him and his wife, Jennifer Jimenez, 31.
Detectives are continuing their investigation into the shooting.
On Monday, police charged Childs with 3 counts of aggravated assault
HASSAN CHILDS
... Recovering from injuries
and 2 count of misdemeanor possession of marijuana.
Based on their investiga- tion, police said Jimenez, his wife, and their child, age 3, were traveling eastbound on Skipper Road. Jimenez told police he noticed a Chevrolet Malibu tailgating him and attempt to pass him.
He reportedly pulled over into the apartment complex to allow the vehicle to pass. When Jimenez pulled over the driver of the Malibu al- legedly pulled up to the pas- senger side of Jimenez’s car and stopped. He then al- legedly pointed a silver firearm toward the vehicle.
Jimenez told police that he didn’t see the firearm at that time. His wife told him about the gun as they contin- ued to drive home, police said.
Jimenez told police that
JOVANNI JIMENEZ ... Shooter
the Malibu continued to tail- gate them as they drove down the street. Jimenez said he again pulled over to the side of the road and stopped the vehicle.
He told police the driver of the Malibu pulled up to the driver’s door of his vehicle and pointed a silver handgun at him. At that point, Jimenez said he was in fear of his life and fired three shots from his own weapon. Jimenez has a valid con- cealed weapons permit, po- lice said.
Investigators said Childs also has an active concealed weapons permit. During the investigation, investigators recovered a loaded firearm from Childs’ vehicle, along with the marijuana.
After the shooting, Jimenez drove home and called 9-1-1.
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 2017 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 3