Tampa Police have identified and arrested 38-year-old Joseph Killins, charging him in relation to a kidnapping and sexual battery that occurred on April 18. Killins has also been charged with an additional robbery that took place in the early morning of April 19.
“This criminal is now off the streets thanks to the tireless efforts of every Tampa Police Department employee and the assistance provided by members of our community,” said Interim Chief Lee Bercaw. “My thoughts remain with the victims. I hope this arrest brings them a sense of comfort knowing that he will now face justice for the crimes he chose to commit.”
Just after 11:00 p.m. on April 18, 2023, Killins was armed with a gun when he forced the victim, a Hispanic female in her early 20s, back into her car as she was making a DoorDash delivery. Killins forced the victim at gunpoint to drive to the Belara Lakes Apartments, where he then sexually battered her. The victim's family, who had been tracking her phone, arrived and rescued her from the car. Killins responded by firing multiple times, with one shot striking a family member of the victim’s girlfriend, a female in her 20s, before fleeing the scene.
On April 19, a robbery took place in the 2100 block of Cool Springs Road, inside the Belara Lakes Apartments complex. The suspect, later identified as Killins, threw the victim, a Hispanic female in her early 40’s, to the ground before punching her and stealing her backpack. He was then seen running toward the Haven Waters Edge Apartment complex.
Detectives working each of these cases conferred with each other as they all continued to develop leads, gather evidence, and speak with witnesses. The robbery investigation led them to the Tampa Inn, located at 2901 E. Busch Blvd, where they arrested Killins late Friday night.
During the robbery investigation, items related to the April 18 investigation were recovered. Detectives with the Special Victims Unit were contacted and conducted an interview with Killins, where he disclosed details that were specific to the crimes that occurred on April 18.
Killiins has been charged with Armed Kidnapping, Robbery with a Firearm, Armed Sexual Battery, and Aggravated Battery with a Weapon in the events of April 18.
He is charged with Robbery in the events of April 19.
Killins is currently being held at Orient Road Jail.