A late-night Uber ride through Largo turned into a near miss for one driver after deputies say a passenger opened fire on the car during a heated argument over politics and religion. No one was hurt, but the driver later told deputies he genuinely thought he might not make it home. The shooting happened around 3:23 a.m. near Belleair Road and Robin Hood Lane in Largo on April 12.
What Deputies Say Happened
According to the arrest affidavit, 41-year-old David Stuart Stinson had called an Uber to get from his sister’s home in Oldsmar back to Largo. During the ride, an argument broke out between Stinson and the driver over politics and religion. The affidavit says things escalated after the driver identified himself as an immigrant and Stinson allegedly told him to “go back to his country.”
Deputies say the driver pulled over and told Stinson to get out. As the driver started to leave, investigators allege Stinson pulled a Glock 19 and fired three shots at the vehicle, hitting the rear of the car and an interior passenger seat, as reported by IONTB. The driver was not struck by gunfire.
What The Law Says
Under Florida criminal law, firing into an occupied vehicle is treated as a serious felony. State statute makes it a second-degree felony to shoot “at, within, or into” any vehicle that is being used or occupied by another person. As outlined by the Florida Legislature, that crime is punishable under Florida’s sentencing provisions, putting it squarely in the category of offenses that can carry significant prison time.
Arrest, Booking And Charges
Pinellas County deputies arrested Stinson at about 5:20 a.m. and booked him into the Pinellas County Jail on multiple felony charges, according to IONTB. The arrest affidavit lists the charges as shooting into an occupied vehicle, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, tampering with physical evidence and discharging a firearm in public. His bond was listed as no bond.
Investigators say Stinson initially invoked his Miranda rights and refused to talk. He later agreed to speak with deputies, reportedly admitting that he argued with the driver but denying that he had a gun or fired any shots.
Investigation And What’s Next
Detectives say the case remains under active investigation. They are asking anyone who may have seen the incident or who has relevant video to contact the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. The agency provides a non-emergency phone line and an online tip option through its website for people who want to share information.
The Pinellas County Jail also lists its address and booking details on the sheriff’s website for those checking on custody status or following the case as it moves through the system.
