TAMPA, Florida – A 14-year-old boy has been taken into custody on gun charges following a Halloween weekend shooting that resulted in two deaths and the injury of 15 others, according to Tampa police. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of October 29, has been branded as “completely unacceptable” by Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw, who emphasized the disregard for the legal age of carrying a firearm demonstrated by the suspect.
The shooting took place during a confrontation between two groups amidst Halloween festivities in Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood. Tyrell Stephen Phillips, aged 22, was also arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Tampa police are still on the lookout for seven additional individuals of interest, as indicated by Chief Bercaw, who has released video footage highlighting those individuals.
Despite not being among the identified persons of interest, the 14-year-old suspect was apprehended on Thursday, as the police had already received leads on his involvement. The tragic event led to the loss of both an adult man and a 14-year-old, with authorities working to determine the exact number of shooters and the sequence of events leading up to the shooting.
Chief Bercaw voiced his concern over the possession of a firearm by a minor, stating unequivocally that there is “no reasonable explanation” for a 14-year-old to be armed. Tampa police are thoroughly investigating the incident, seeking answers about the origin of the gun and the motive behind the shooting.
As the investigation unfolds, the Tampa community is left grappling with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. Authorities are calling for the public’s cooperation, urging anyone with information related to the shooting or the persons of interest to come forward and assist in the case.