TAMPA, Fla. — Hillsborough County detectives are investigating a mass shooting Tuesday night where one person died and several others were injured.
The Sheriff's Office said the shooting happened near North 50th Street and Sligh Avenue.
Around 8:00 p.m., dispatchers received several 911 calls regarding gunfire occurring at a basketball court at North 50th Street and Sligh Avenue.
Officials say this was "drive-by shooting" where two groups shot at each other. Bullets struck several people gathered at the court.
Upon their arrival, the deputies located a total of eight shooting victims between the ages of 17 and 36. All were transported to nearby hospitals.
The Sheriff's Office reports a 36-year-old man died from his injuries after arriving at St. Joseph's Hospital. Two other victims are in critical condition while the other five are listed as stable.
"We lost a life tonight, due to senseless violence," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our deputies patrol this area constantly and are working tirelessly to curb the crime and identify the individuals who behave recklessly and have no respect for human life. We aim to restore peace to this community and we will continue to crack down on those who cause harm."
After interviewing witnesses, detectives believe a group of people traveling in a 2008 silver, 4-door Infiniti, with tinted windows, fired multiple shots as they drove by the crowd.
The Sheriff's Office released three surveillance photos recovered from nearby businesses of the suspect vehicle. There is a sticker in the lower left-hand corner of the rear window that may help identify the car.
Detectives say evidence suggests the shooting was not a random and either people on the sidewalk or the group on the basketball court were targeted. They are trying determine the motive behind the attack.
Tampa Police flagged the Infiniti as stolen on November 5.
Deputies urge anyone who spots the car to refrain from contacting the driver and instead immediately call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office immediately at (813) 247-8200 or 911.
The basketball court is adjacent to a Boys and Girls Club. No children at the club were in danger because the facility closed for the night about two hours before the shooting.
