On August 30, a shooting incident in Largo resulted in a 12-year-old being struck by a bullet. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office reported the arrest of 31-year-old Yancy Crowder in connection with the crime. Crowder has been charged with multiple felonies, including Aggravated Child Abuse with a Deadly Weapon and Felon in Possession of a Firearm, following the shooting that took place around 6:34 p.m at 15219 Verona Avenue in Unincorporated Largo.
Responding to a shots fired call, deputies found the young victim with a gunshot wound to the shoulder area. At the time of the shooting, Crowder and an unnamed male were seen in front of a residence on Verona Avenue. Shortly arriving after them, 31-year-old Calvert Hart was allegedly fired upon by Crowder, who investigators claim entered a house, got a gun, came back outside and started shooting. As bullets flew, the 12-year-old standing in a front yard nearby was inadvertently hit, according to detectives.
Crowder was apprehended the following day with assistance from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office at a Zephyrhills address. Transported to Pasco County Jail pending transfer, he awaits proceedings related to the charges. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Crowder has admitted to being present during the incident but denied any involvement with firearms or that he even heard gunshots.
The investigation into the events that led to the wounding of the child is still ongoing. The victim, whose identity remains protected due to age and privacy concerns, was transported to the hospital and is reported to have non-life-threatening injuries. As detectives continue piecing together the incidents of that evening, Crowder, fleeing the scene before deputies arrived, remains behind bars.
