A man has been reported dead following a road rage incident in Riverview, as informed by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The tragic event transpired on Sunday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 301 and Bloomingdale Avenue. According to a statement obtained by WFLA, the deputies responded to the 911 call around 2:15 p.m. where they discovered 61-year-old Steven Edward Powers with “upper body trauma.” Powers later succumbed to his injuries at Brandon Regional Hospital.
In an ongoing hunt for the shooter, HCSO has revealed that witness interviews indicated the person responsible for the shooting had immediately fled the scene. As per WFLA, it is believed that the shooting occurred after a vehicle was seemingly cut off, leading to an altercation. Officials, to swiftly resolve the case, are urging anyone with information to step forward.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister articulated the sentiment that violence is an unacceptable resolution to any disagreement. "There is never a justification for an altercation to end in violence," Sheriff Chronister stated according to FOX13. The Sheriff's pledge to the case was firmly put forth, ensuring that the department's detectives are fully committed and that justice shall be served for the victim.
Further details are scant as the investigation is still in its early stages. HCSO Public Information Coordinator Casey Minuto conveyed that aside from the basic information involving one vehicle allegedly cutting off another, leading to the fatal incident, much remains unknown. "At this point in the investigation, our detectives have learned that our suspect did flee the scene," Minuto told WTSP. Authorities are compiling all evidence and witness statements to piece together the chain of events that culminated in this fateful altercation.
The community is being asked to help by contacting the sheriff's office at 813-247-8200 if they have any information about the incident. Tipsters can remain anonymous if they wish. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is eager to bring closure to this act of violence as they continue to gather information on the suspect.
