TAMPA, Fla. - Police Chief Brian Dugan is "guarded, but optimistic" that a tip leading officers to a Ybor City McDonalds on Tuesday is connected to the Seminole Heights killings.
Officers responded to the restaurant at E. 13th Avenue where they cordoned off and searched a red Ford Mustang with black rally stripes. One person was taken into custody to be questioned by detectives. A gun was also recovered, Dugan said.
Dozens of officers and nearby residents convened at the McDonalds, as well as Tampa police leadership and members of the ATF.
"It's just the way things are progressing," Dugan said of his feelings during press conference. "Things are starting to fall in place. We had that before and ultimately it led to nothing. I'm guarded because I've been down this road before. It's day 51 that we've been doing this."
10News reporters Beau Zimmer and Sara Rosario were live on the 10News Facebook page as Dugan gave his remarks:
10News reporter Eric Glasser spoke with a female employee of that McDonalds who said it was a male co-worker who was taken in for questioning. The man worked at the restaurant for two months and the woman described him as "an odd character."
She also said the man handed the manager a gun and that the manager alerted an officer who happened to be in the restaurant at the time.
10News reporter Sara Rosario was live on the 10News Facebook page as the situation unfolded.
Tuesday's developments comes just a few days after Ronald Felton, the fourth victim, was buried.
"It's been two weeks since Ronald Felton was murdered," Dugan said. "It's been a long time for the families and cops. So I'm guarded, but I'm optimistic. It's going to be a long night."
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