A search was launched Friday after Hillsborough County deputies said a man opened fire on a vehicle, shooting the passenger and resulting in the driver hitting a bicyclist as she fled.
A spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the two victims and the suspect know each other. They had pulled over to talk to the man along Progress Boulevard when he began shooting at them, authorities said.
The man in the passenger seat suffered gunshot wounds to his upper body and was taken to a local hospital. According to authorities, the man later died from his injuries. His identity had not yet been released.
The driver’s child was also in the backseat of the car at the time but was not injured.
Officials said the driver sped off after the suspect began shooting and, in doing so, struck a bicyclist. The bicyclist remained on scene and declined to be taken to a hospital, according to deputies.
As of Saturday morning, deputies were still looking for the suspected shooter.
There were two active crime scenes, one near Progress Boulevard and 82nd Street, and the other at Thornton’s gas station at U.S. 301.
Investigators later confirmed the shooting happened near the intersection, and the victim drove to the gas station for help.
A witness told News Channel 8 she was playing pickleball at some nearby courts when she heard gunshots.
“It was so loud there was ringing in my ears,” JS said.
Stephens said she “froze in shock” as several others, including children, began running from the courts. She then recalled seeing a car fleeing and helicopters circling overhead.
“It makes me not even want to go play pickleball anymore because it’s like that’s too close,” she said. “It was just a regular day, it was raining, and the next thing you know, it’s a crime scene over there.”
Anyone with information on the incident or the suspect’s whereabouts is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 813-247-8200.
“This is a tragic loss of life in our community that never should have occurred,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We’re committed to finding who did this and making sure justice is served. If you have any information, please come forward.”
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Source: wfla
