A somber investigation is underway after a man was shot and killed at Copeland Park in Tampa. According to FOX 13 News, the fatal incident occurred on Friday evening and law enforcement officers were called to the park located at 11001 North 15th Street around 7:15 p.m. following reports of a shooting.
The victim, a Black man in his early 20s, was discovered with a gunshot wound. Efforts to quickly save his life were made as he was rushed to a nearby hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. The Tampa Police Department now begins to thoroughly piece together the circumstances of the shooting, actively searching for the suspect. As per a statement obtained by WFLA News, the shooter fled the crime scene on a bicycle post-shooting.
Initial reports from witnesses describe the lead-up to the tragic event as an argument that escalated, shifting from verbal altercations to physical violence. Tampa Bay Times shared details that suggest the dispute ended in gunfire, leaving one individual dead and a community grappling with the aftermath.
The Tampa Police Department has not yet released the name of the victim as the investigation presses on. However, witnesses have provided a description of the suspect, thought to be a thin, balding Black male. As authorities endeavor to track down the individual responsible, they are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to an arrest. Anyone with potential insights into the crime is encouraged to call 813-231-6130 or to reach out to Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay.
