A Tampa teen is behind bars after being linked to a recent shooting that left another young man injured. Andre Zakanya James, a 16-year-old resident, was arrested and is facing serious charges including attempted murder, according to Tampa Police Department.
The incident unfolded yesterday, when police were called to the 2100 block of W Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd around 1 p.m. following reports of a gunfire. They found a teen victim with a gunshot wound to the upper body; he was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in treatment. Law enforcement’s review of surveillance footage depicted James hiding in an alley before confronting and shooting at the unidentified teen as he walked down N Albany Ave.
James's attempt to further discharge his firearm was thwarted when the weapon jammed. After the failed second attempt, he fled on foot. An officer familiar with James featured a key role in his identification and subsequent arrest at his home.
Charges against James include One Felony Count of Attempted Murder in the First Degree Premeditated Firearm and One Felony Count of Aggravated Battery Greater Bodily Harm or Deadly Weapon Firearm. An ongoing investigation seeks to shed light on the origins of the conflict and relationship between the involved parties. As part of preventive measures tied to such incidents, the Tampa Police Department reminded the public of its free gunlock distribution program, "Project Locked and Unlocked," offering these safety devices at police stations and select library locations.
Detectives continue their work to piece together the events that led to this violent encounter. The Tampa Police assure that additional information will be disclosed to the public if and when available.
