Three Tampa teenagers are facing serious felony charges after a pair of early morning assaults on July 13 left one homeless man clinging to life and another person bruised but able to walk away. Investigators say evidence picked up during an unrelated arrest tied the teens not only to the two attacks, but also to several vehicle break ins.
Timeline
According to the Tampa Police Department, the violence began around 2:30 a.m. on July 13 in the 800 block of E. MLK Boulevard. Detectives say three males approached a man in his mid 40s and a woman in her mid 30s who were resting, started verbally antagonizing them, and then began throwing rocks. The woman was hit in the back of the head, but police say she did not suffer serious injuries. Detectives later connected that scene to a second discovery a few hours later.
As reported by the Tampa Free Press, officers on proactive patrol found a man in his mid 60s around 7:45 a.m. behind a closed business in the 3900 block of N. Nebraska Avenue. He was rushed to a local hospital with a traumatic brain injury and remained on a ventilator in critical condition. The two scenes sit less than a quarter mile apart, and victim statements helped detectives lock in the timeline, according to the outlet.
Arrests and charges
Per the Tampa Police Department, officers identified the suspects as 13 year old Samari Bryant, 14 year old Corliss Sirmons, and 16 year old Javonnie Council. Bryant and Council were arrested and charged on July 16 with Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Evidencing Prejudice, and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon. Sirmons was charged on July 21 with Attempted Murder and two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Evidencing Prejudice.
Police Chief Lee Bercaw did not hide his frustration with the teens’ reported explanation. “The fact that boredom is cited as a reason for criminal activity at any level, let alone attempted murder, is highly concerning, and those responsible will be held fully accountable,” he said.
How officers tied them to the scenes
The Tampa Free Press reports that the three teens and an unnamed 16 year old female had already been taken into custody earlier on July 13 in connection with auto burglaries along Emma Street. During that arrest, officers recovered clothing and other physical evidence that investigators say linked the group to both assaults. All four now face counts of Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance tied to the vehicle break ins.
What officials want the public to know
Detectives are still building the case and say the investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to call the Tampa Police Department at 813 231 6130 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 800 873 TIPS. Police say additional charges or updates could follow as more evidence comes in.
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