TAMPA, Fla. — Police have arrested a suspect in relation to a shooting near Armature Works in Tampa Tuesday afternoon.
The Tampa Police Department said they responded to the 1900 block of North Ola Avenue outside of Stones Throw Restaurant around 4 p.m. Tuesday.
After a preliminary investigation, police said two groups of teenage boys between the ages of 13 and 17 near the restaurant got into a verbal altercation that quickly escalated into the shooting. Both groups then fled the scene.
The 17-year-old suspect was arrested Wednesday afternoon. Police said he is being charged with attempted murder in the second degree with a firearm and a felon in possession of a firearm juvenile.
Police said they are still searching for the 13-year-old suspect.
When officers arrived, they found three victims: a 47-year-old woman who was shot in the arm, a 28-year-old woman who was shot in the ankle, and a 36-year-old woman who was grazed by a bullet. The first and second victims were taken to a local hospital in stable condition, while the third victim was treated at the scene.
A fourth person drove himself to the hospital after sustaining a "non-life-threatening wound" on his leg. Police said they believe he is affiliated with one of the groups involved in the shooting.
Police said witnesses and current evidence show that a person from each group shot at each other. They are still working to determine if the guns were stolen and are actively following up on leads.
"It is disheartening that yet again our community has to deal with senseless gun violence," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "The lack of concern for the safety of others is not only alarming but disappointing because an incident of this nature does not reflect the true community within the City of Tampa. Together, we can work towards limiting the number of firearms juveniles have access to by properly securing firearms and locking vehicle doors."
Anyone with additional video footage or information that could assist with the investigation should contact Tampa Police at 813-231-6130 or submit an anonymous tip via Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477) or via TIP411.
