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Tampa police arrest 13-year-old for New Year's Day park shooting

"We won't let those who commit these crimes deter our residents from enjoying public venues in our city," Tampa's interim police chief said.

TAMPA, Fla. — Police arrested a 13-year-old boy accused of shooting another teen on New Year's Day at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

The teen, who 10 Tampa Bay is not naming because of his age, is charged with aggravated battery with great bodily harm, according to a Tampa Police Department news release.

Police say two teens got into an argument that turned physical just before 9 p.m. Sunday at the park. At some point, about five or six additional teens jumped in to assist the 13-year-old in attacking the boy.

10 Tampa Bay spoke with the boy's mother, who identified him as 16-year-old Mario Jackson. She said her son went to the park with a group of friends and his girlfriend.

At some point, the 13-year-old pulled out a gun and shot Jackson in the upper body — the group then ran off, according to the department.

The teen was located at his family's home and taken into custody Wednesday night. It's still not known how the teen was able to get hold of the gun.

"It's unfortunate that individuals bring their feuds to a public place where families are just looking to have fun, and even more upsetting that the perpetrator has made a bad decision that will likely change his life forever," Tampa Police Department Interim Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement. "We worked quickly and diligently to identify those involved, which is why the suspect was identified within 24 hours. 

"We won't let those who commit these crimes deter our residents from enjoying public venues in our city."

Jackson's mother shared a video, showing the group of teens rushing him at the park.

"He's saying, 'Mom, I got shot! I got shot!' I just hear him, he's screaming and hollering and I'm like, 'Where are you, where you at?'  He said, 'I'm at the Riverwalk.' I'm like OK, call the police," Randall said.

After learning news of the arrest, Randall said she feels relief but wants to see the accused 13-year-old face a more serious charge. She said she fears he may harm someone else without a tougher penalty.

Overall, Randall said she hopes to see less gun violence among the youngest.

“They need to put the guns down," Randall said. "There’s a lot of things they can be doing instead of playing with guns in these streets.”

TPD Interim Police Chief Lee Bercaw said the state attorney's office will determine whether the 13-year-old will be tried as an adult. 

In response to whether other teens who police said harmed Jackson will face charges, Bercaw said that will depend on the ongoing investigation.

Click here to see the GoFundMe page for the teen.

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