Two men have been arrested following a shooting incident at a Zephyrhills drive-thru that resulted in non-fatal injuries to one individual, according to local authorities. The Zephyrhills Police Department announced the arrests of 19-year-old Angel Josue Rodriguez and 20-year-old Jonathan Xavier Rivera in connection with the event, which occurred last week at the In and Out Drive Thru located on Gall Boulevard, as reported by WFLA News Channel 8.
The police were called to the scene at approximately 10:55 a.m. this past Friday, when a vehicle with four occupants entered the business's drive-thru lane, as described in a statement released through the Zephyrhills Police Department's official Facebook page. During a transaction, a firearm was discharged "unintentionally" by an individual seated in the back of the vehicle, striking the passenger in the front seat, although the injuries were non-life-threatening.
Police efforts swiftly culminated in the identification and capturing of the suspects involved. Angel Rodriguez now faces charges related to carrying a concealed firearm, culpable negligence, and improper exhibition of a firearm, as FOX 13 News detailed. His counterpart, Jonathan Rivera, has been charged with tampering with evidence and also carrying a concealed firearm.
The quick response by the Zephyrhills Police highlights the ongoing issues of gun safety and responsible ownership within the community, per details from the police report. The circumstances behind the accidental discharge remain under further investigation. Further information on the case is pending and updates are expected as the legal process moves forward.
