A casual evening at Citrus Park Town Center Mall turned tragic when a teenage boy was fatally shot outside Red Robin. According to WFLA, the Hillsborough County deputies arrived at the scene around 7:16 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire. The young victim, whose age has not been disclosed, suffered a gunshot wound to his upper body and was rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The community's sense of peace was deeply disturbed by this event. "This senseless act of violence not only robbed a family of their loved one but caused unnecessary fear and trauma to dozens of people who were just trying to enjoy their Saturday night at the mall," Sheriff Chad Chronister told WFLA.

In a bid to find resolution and to hold responsible the perpetrators for the tragedy, two individuals were detained to be questioned for their potential involvement, as reported by FOX 13. The nature of their connection to the incident has yet to be clarified.

Following the incident, a press release by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, shared by WTSP, revealed that the altercation may have erupted following a dispute between the victim and the detained parties while dining. Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer echoed the heartbreak of the community, stating, "When the community comes to the mall, it's to have a good time. To go shopping, to eat, to be with their friends. This is an act of senseless violence that happened tonight."

The investigation into the shooting remains dynamic and ongoing. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has not yet released additional details pertaining to the motive or the circumstances that led to the fatal encounter.