'We didn't come here for this': Ybor City visitors grateful for life after deadly shooting
Share this @internewscast.com

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A 22-year-old man is in custody after a deadly shooting at a sports bar in Ybor City on Saturday, police said.

Just after 2:15 a.m., two groups, unfamiliar with each other, were involved in an argument outside Flexx Sports Bar and Ultra Lounge, which led to the man being removed from the premises due to his behavior.

Authorities say he came back with a gun, got into another argument, and shots were fired.

A 30-year-old man was taken to the hospital and later died.

Another man was injured in the altercation and had non-life-threatening injuries.

Police confirmed the 22-year-old man was the shooter and taken into custody.

The shooting happened as Tierra Jones of Toledo, Ohio, was celebrating her birthday in Ybor City with two friends.

“We weren’t here for any trouble; I just wanted to have a good time. Hearing about something like this as soon as you leave is just shocking,” Jones expressed.

She said she and her friends were at another establishment when the server recommended, they go to the sports bar.

“They mentioned that there would be some older individuals and tourists, and we were aware it would be a diverse crowd, but a shooting was the last thing we anticipated,” Jones added.

Jones said the three were later notified of the tragedy.

“One of our friends told us that it had been a shooting and that somebody had got shot in the head and was murdered,” Jones said.

Jones’ friend Arielle Gray said she was thankful the group had already left.

“We were gone away from there for about an hour, so we could have been in the mix,” Gray said.

Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said officers were on scene when the shooting happened.

“This shooting happened with officers in plain view. This reckless behavior is not acceptable within our community,” Bercaw said in a statement.

Gray said the violence across the nation has become discouraging.

“This has been a persistent problem. People have tried to implement solutions, but honestly, I’m unsure what can be done to resolve situations like these,” Gray remarked.

Officials said the shooter is cooperating in the investigation but have not yet identified him nor the deceased victim.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Beloved Shelter Dog Finds Forever Home Just in Time for Christmas After Two-Year Wait

In a heartwarming turn of events, the Washington County/Johnson City Animal Shelter…

Cambodia Pledges Strong Defense in Intensifying Border Dispute with Thailand

SURIN – On Tuesday, Senate President Hun Sen of Cambodia pledged to…

Trump Considers AI Regulation as Spotlight Shifts to Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On Monday, former President Donald Trump renewed his call…

Ex-Cocke County High School Coach Faces Statutory Rape Charges

A former coach from Cocke County High School found himself in legal…

Iran Reports Departure of Second Flight with 55 Deported Nationals from the United States

TEHRAN – A second flight has departed from the United States, carrying…

South Holston Dam Access Temporarily Closed for Essential Upgrades by TVA

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has announced that starting Wednesday, the upper…

Tragic Incident in Michoacan: Mexican National Guardsman Fatally Shoots Three Fellow Soldiers

MEXICO CITY – Over the weekend, a tragic incident unfolded at a…

Golden Globes Launches Podcast: Navigating the Airwaves with Caution and Class

NEW YORK – In a groundbreaking move, the Golden Globes have added…

Judge Mandates Release of Immigrant Linked to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt

CONCORD, N.H. – In a noteworthy decision from an immigration judge, a…

Zelenskyy Travels to London for Crucial Peace and Security Discussions with European Leaders

LONDON – In a bid to bolster Ukraine’s position in ongoing diplomatic…

Heartfelt Tribute: Tusculum University Honors Fallen Student-Athlete with Moving Memorial

A tragic event has left the Tusculum University community in mourning. Payton…

Vols Forward Cade Phillips Faces Season-Ending Surgery: Impact on Team’s Prospects

Tennessee’s junior forward, Cade Phillips, will miss the remainder of the season…