Shortly after 4 p.m. Friday, December 13, a teenager called 911 to report that another teenager had been shot in a home on Bridgewalk Drive. HCSO Deputies arrived within five minutes and located a 15-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to the upper body. A total of four male teenagers, all between the ages of 15-16 years old, were in the home. The victim was transported to Brandon Regional Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
The residence where the shooting occurred is owned and occupied by a Tampa Police Officer, who was working at the time of the incident. The victim who was shot is not related to the family of the officer. Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan is aware of the incident and in communication with HCSO.
Deputies are working to learn how the shooting occurred and how the teens got ahold of the gun. Interviews are ongoing, and no one is facing charges at this time.
"This incident is devastating, and as a father, I grieve with the parents who won't get to hug their son tonight, as well as the law enforcement officer and his family who live in the home where this tragedy occurred," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "As we enter the holiday season and more people have young visitors in their homes, please take the time to make sure your firearms are properly secured, ensure that they are not loaded, and most importantly, teach young people that guns are not toys. These simple steps could help save a life and save another family from heartbreak."
December 13, 2019
Public Affairs Office | piocommandcenter@hcso.tampa.fl.us
(813) 247-8060