TAMPA, Fla. — A suspect has been arrested in connection to a Tampa shooting that killed one woman.
The Tampa Police Department announced it arrested 35-year-old Derrick Dempsey on Tuesday evening.
Just before 5:45 a.m. Tuesday, officials responded to a report of gunshots in the area of West Saint Joseph Street. When they arrived, they found a woman in her mid-30s with a gunshot wound.
After officials attempted to perform life-saving measures, the woman was taken to a hospital where she later died from her injuries.
Police say witnesses told them Dempsey was arguing with a woman inside a pickup truck before he got out, hit her and grabbed a gun. Witnesses then reported hearing a gunshot.
Tampa police, along with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, arrested Dempsey without incident and collected the shotgun used in the incident.
“This is a tragic loss that no family should have to endure,” Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement. “We are thankful this dangerous individual is no longer on the street and for the partnership with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office that led to a quick arrest in this case.”
"This dangerous and calloused criminal showed no regard for human life, but thanks to the strong partnership between the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and the Tampa Police Department, we were able to bring this individual into custody," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "We are proud to provide the assistance and assets needed to support our partners in keeping our community safe."
Dempsey is charged with first-degree murder.
