What started as a late-night argument at a St. Petersburg Mobil gas station turned into a bloody parking lot brawl early Thursday, with gunfire, a cinder block and both men ending the night in handcuffs at the hospital. Officers arrived around 1 a.m. after reports of shots fired and found the aftermath in the station's lot. Police said both men were taken to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
What police say happened
According to the Tampa Free Press, the confrontation began as a verbal dispute that spiraled when 29-year-old DeAndre Randolph allegedly hit 41-year-old Anthony Oliver over the head with a cinder block. Oliver then pulled a gun and fired at Randolph in the parking lot, the outlet reports. Officers processed arrests for both men once their conditions stabilized, according to the Tampa Free Press.
Where they were treated
Both men were transported to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital in downtown St. Petersburg, which serves as a primary emergency and trauma center for the area. It is listed as one of the region's comprehensive stroke and trauma providers, according to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.
Charges and investigation
Police have charged Randolph with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Oliver faces counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance, per the Tampa Free Press. Investigators say they are still working to piece together a full timeline of the dispute.
Police context
The gas station clash is one of several violent incidents St. Petersburg officers have handled this spring, including a March shooting at 15th Avenue South and 11th Street South, as noted by the St. Petersburg Police. Officials are urging anyone who may have video or information about these incidents to contact investigators as the cases remain active.
