A 14-year-old has been taken into custody by the Tampa Police Department in connection with the mass shooting that occurred in Ybor City on October 29. The teenager has been charged with one felony count of minor in possession of a firearm while wearing a mask and one felony count of carrying a concealed firearm.
During a news conference, Chief Lee Bercaw expressed his strong disapproval of the incident, stating that it was “completely unacceptable.” According to the police, the 14-year-old brandished a gun before leaving the area on the night of the shooting. The altercation between two groups resulted in a shootout that claimed the lives of a 14-year-old boy and a 20-year-old man, while 16 others sustained injuries.
Chief Bercaw emphasized that there is no reasonable explanation for a 14-year-old to possess a firearm. He commended the efforts of the officers and detectives involved in the investigation, which led to the arrest of the teenager. It was clarified that the 14-year-old was not among the individuals identified in the previously released surveillance video.
Chief Bercaw called for community collaboration, stating that the police alone cannot solve the problem. He urged residents to report any information they may have and continue to provide videos that could aid in further breakthroughs in the case. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to submit tips at fbi.gov/tampashooting.
