TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw and Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez addressed how they are trying to crack down on youth gun violence after multiple teens were involved in a recent shooting.
The shooting happened on June 15 when a group of six teens were hanging out in the game room of the West River Boulevard apartment complex. As another group of teens entered the room, multiple teens from the first group began to shoot, the chief said.
Bercaw says the teens used handguns and rifles and that the second group of teens never appeared to shoot back, according to the apartment's surveillance video.
Two teens were hurt, but their injuries were non-life-threatening.
"It is fortunate that no one was killed in this incident," Bercaw said in a statement. "While we have arrested one of the teens involved, our detectives remain committed to their investigation and ask the community to provide tips regarding this, or any incident, that will help improve gun safety and keep guns out of the hand of our kids."
So far, one 15-year-old was arrested for his involvement in the shooting. He was charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, shooting within a building, minor in possession of a firearm and violation of probation.
Additional charges are expected.
"I can't talk about the specifics regarding this case, but what I can tell you is age does not matter," State Attorney Lopez said during the news conference Wednesday. "If you have a gun and make a reckless decision to shoot at another person, you will not get a free pass in Hillsborough County based on your age."
Lopez said she has a dedicated gun violence unit in her office that focuses on who she calls prolific offenders regardless of age. She says a lot of kids are getting guns from unlocked cars in our community.
Detectives are working to identify and appropriately charge other involved individuals.