TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Police arrested a 16-year-old for shooting another teen on Tuesday afternoon.
Officers responded to the shooting around 1 p.m. in the area of the 2100 block of W Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd where they found a teen with a gunshot wound. He was transported to the hospital where he is still being treated, according to a news release.
Surveillance video showed the 16-year-old suspect waiting in the alley of a nearby business and shooting the victim as he walked by. The 16-year-old fired one round and tried to continue shooting but when the gun jammed, he ran away.
The suspect was identified by an officer and arrested at his house. He was charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery.
“There’s nothing more alarming than a blatant disregard for another person’s life,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “Violence in our community and amongst juveniles will not be tolerated. I’m appreciative of all the hard work our detectives and officers did in less than 24 hours that led to this quick arrest. It is also due in part to the everyday efforts of officers assigned to juvenile checks that work to keep those with extensive criminal histories accountable.”
Detectives are still investigating what led to the incident and how the two teens know each other.
Police are reminding the public that they offer free gunlocks that are available at every station and select Hillsborough County libraries.
