ST. PETERSBURG, Fla — Police have charged a suspect after an 11-year-old boy was shot and killed in St. Petersburg on Aug. 8.
The St. Petersburg Police Department said officers responded to a home on 11th Avenue South around 9:42 p.m. after receiving reports about the shooting.
When they arrived, officers found Veondre Hargrove, who had already passed away inside the home.
Police identified a 14-year-old boy as the suspect in relation to the incident. Hargrove and the boy were visiting a friend when an argument ensued, which led to Hargrove being shot.
According to officials, the suspect fled on foot after the shooting.
He has since been arrested and is being charged with manslaughter.
"If there had just been a trooper up there, maybe this whole thing could have been avoided."
A judge in Florida is sharing the story of his son's death in hopes of helping the Florida Highway Patrol trooper shortage.
