On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, Deputy Chief Calvin Johnson provided an update on the shooting that occurred along the Courtney Campbell Causeway on July 4, 2023, that resulted in the death of a seven-year-old boy.
Just after 8:30 p.m. last night, officers responded to a shooting along the Courtney Campbell Causeway west of Ben T. Davis Beach. When officers arrived, they found a 7-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his head and the victim’s grandfather who suffered a gunshot wound to his hand.
According to witnesses, a verbal altercation ensued between two groups regarding the reckless driving of a jet ski near the area where children were playing in the water. The altercation escalated when some members of each group began firing at each other. During the shooting, the grandfather was attempting to shield his seven-year-old grandson from the gunfire when they both were struck.
Detectives are still actively investigating, gathering evidence, and developing leads. Currently, there is limited information on the suspect’s description, but based on witnesses, it is believed that two groups of Hispanic males were shooting at each other at the time of the incident.
Anyone who may have information that could assist detectives with their investigation is asked to call Tampa PD at 813-231-6130 or submit an anonymous tip by contacting Crimestoppers at 800-873-TIPS (8477).
To view the recorded live stream: https://fb.watch/lBftqyPQth/