An 18-year-old, Antwon Jones, was arrested in connection to a shooting incident that occurred yesterday night in St. Petersburg, Florida, where a 40-year-old man and his 10-year-old nephew were injured while playing basketball. According to the St. Petersburg Police Department, the incident took place around 7 p.m. on the 1400 block of 15th Street South amidst a dispute between two groups. Jones allegedly fired at the other group but instead struck the uncle and nephew bystanders, as WFLA reports.
The young boy was seriously wounded and is now in stable condition as per the latest updates, fortunately, his uncle was treated and released after receiving medical care, as WTSP notes. The charges Jones faces include two counts of attempted felony murder, and police also allege he was a delinquent in possession of a firearm, and that he possessed controlled substances, specifically ecstasy and cocaine, during the time of his arrest.
In a news conference earlier today, St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway disclosed that Jones had a history of violence dating back to 2020, which includes an attempted murder charge; Jones reportedly was not acquainted with the individuals in either group involved in the conflict, as Bay News 9 reveals.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward; they can contact the St. Petersburg Police at 727-893-7780 or anonymously send tips via text to TIP411, including "SPPD" plus the information pertinent to the case, the effort to comprehend the full sequence of events and ensure justice may hinge on these communal inputs. Police stress the importance of community assistance in cases like this and appreciate any help given by local witnesses or those privy to the situation's details.
