Tampa police are currently piecing together the events that led to a chaotic scene Saturday night in the parking lot of the AMC at 18002 Highwoods Preserve. According to information released by the City of Tampa official website, the incident occurred just before 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, where officers were called to respond to a fight that broke out amongst an unspecified number of individuals.
During the scuffle, the report indicates that a lone gunshot was to soon be fired into the air by one of the individuals involved, causing panic among the crowd. No injuries resulted from the discharge of the firearm. However, three people did sustain minor injuries as a result of the ensuing scramble to avoid harm. The Tampa Police Department has clarified that this incident did not escalate to the magnitudes of an active shooter situation.
Law enforcement officials have not yet released the identities of the people involved but have confirmed they are working to gather more details. The statement on the City of Tampa website assures the public that the investigation is active and that updates will follow as they become available. Meanwhile, anyone with knowledge pertaining to the disturbance is urged to come forward to assist detectives in their inquiry.
The Police Department is appealing to witnesses or anyone with potentially relevant information to make contact. They can do so either by calling the Tampa Police at 813-231-6130, or to remain entirely anonymous, they might choose to reach out via Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-Tips (8477). Community members who opt to use the Crime Stoppers service may be eligible for a financial reward if their information leads to a resolution in the case.
