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Man shot at Clearwater Beach Surf Style store dies; suspected shooter arrested

Officers will have an "increased presence" in Clearwater Beach as spring break continues.

CLEARWATER, Fla. — The man injured in a shooting at a Surf Style store Tuesday night has died, police said in an update.

The man has been identified as 22-year-old Rodney Sweeney.

"Many of our detectives and officers are working non-stop to find the killer
and hold him accountable," Police Chief Daniel Slaughter said in a statement. "Detectives have interviewed dozens of witnesses and leveraged the technology investments made to ensure people who commit senseless violence are captured and prosecuted."

At around 8 p.m., police responded to a report of a shooting that happened inside the Surf Style store on South Gulfview Boulevard, a spokesperson for the Clearwater Police Department said.

Responding officers immediately answered the call and found Sweeney hurt inside the shop on the second floor, Deputy Chief of Police Michael Walek said during a news conference. They were able to render aid until paramedics and firefighters arrived.

Sweeney was then transported to Morton Plant Hospital with life-threatening injuries, Walek said. He later died. 

Based on the investigation, police say they believe the shooting stemmed from an argument between two people inside the store. On Wednesday evening, the suspected shooter was arrested. Police said do not believe there is a public threat to the surrounding area.

Police released photos on social media of two persons of interest related to the shooting. 

Later, police released a photo of a third person of interest they're looking to identify. 

"I want to reiterate, I do not believe there is a threat to the public right now," Walek said. "This was an isolated incident that occurred between two people that appear to have gotten into a fight."

Clearwater Beach is a popular spring break destination along Florida's west coast. Walek said while they've had many calls recently, none have been like Tuesday night's shooting. 

"We do have an additional manpower out here right now to address spring break problems, but nothing like this," Walek said.

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