Incident Date/Time: Approximately 4:08 p.m. on April 9, 2024
Incident Location: 1900 block of N. Ola Ave
On April 9, 2024, at approximately 4:08 p.m., officers responded to the 1900 block of N. Ola Avenue following reports of multiple shots fired outside Stones Throw Restaurant, an establishment near Armature Works.
Upon their arrival, officers located three victims: Victim 1, a 47-year-old female who suffered a gunshot wound in the arm, Victim 2, a 28-year-old female who suffered a gunshot wound to her ankle, and Victim 3, a 36-year-old female who was grazed by a bullet. Victims 1 and 2 were transported to a local hospital in stable condition. Victim 3 was treated on scene.
Based on the preliminary investigation, two groups of teen males between the ages of 13 and 17 were near Stones Throw Restaurant, when they engaged in a verbal altercation that quickly escalated when multiple rounds were fired. Following the altercation, both groups fled the scene. One of the subjects involved self-transported to a local hospital after sustaining a non-life threatening wound to his leg. This individual is believed to be affiliated with one of the groups involved in the dispute.
Based on witness accounts and current evidence, an individual from each group exchanged gunfire with one other.
Determining if the firearms used in the incident were stolen is part of the ongoing investigation. Detectives have identified persons of interest and are actively following up on leads provided to them by local businesses and community members to identify the additional individuals in both groups.
“It is disheartening that yet again our community has to deal with senseless gun violence,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “The lack of concern for the safety of others is not only alarming but disappointing because an incident of this nature does not reflect the true community within the City of Tampa. Together, we can work towards limiting the number of firearms juveniles have access to by properly securing firearms and locking vehicle doors.”
Anyone with additional video footage or information that could assist with the investigation is encouraged to contact Tampa Police at 813-231-6130 or submit an anonymous tip via Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477) or via TIP411.