TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Back-to-back broad daylight shootings in Tampa are raising concerns.
Monday, one man was killed after a shooting Tampa police said took place off of N Florida Avenue.
Tuesday, a teen was hospitalized after detectives said a fight turned into gunfire.
Tampa police said both happened in the middle of the afternoon.
“That’s even scarier, it’s in broad daylight,” bystander Laya Young said.
“Lunchtime, broad daylight,” bystander Sarelle Lo-Chin added. “I’m coming, going to enjoy my good lunch and there’s a shooting.”
“I couldn’t talk for 30 minutes,” she continued. “I was so shocked and scared.”
“I couldn’t believe it and he was 15,” Young added. “What are you doing with a gun?
They have questions as the Tampa community grapples with yet another shooting with Thanksgiving just two days away.
Could they be connected?
“At this point, there’s no evidence to suggest either of these shootings are connected,” TPD Director of Communication and Public Affairs Joneé Lewis said. “Investigators are following leads in both, it appears that the shooting yesterday was not random and that they may have been targeting, unfortunately, that victim.”
Nevertheless, some people like Lo-Chin and Young said they’re worried about what’s next.
“Bullets don’t have a name, so it could’ve been anything,” Lo-Chin said. “Bullets do not have a name.”
“Anybody could’ve gotten shot,” she continued. “Any bystander, any patient, anybody and that’s scary.”
“That’s really scary to think about,” Lo-Chin concluded.
“I can understand why the community may feel concerned,” Lewis said. “I want to reassure them that we are increasing our patrols during this week [and] during this holiday season.”
“Of course, if you see anything, please contact us and please do not use a gun to settle a dispute,” she continued. “We do not want any families to endure another tragedy this holiday season.”
Anyone with information that could assist detectives is encouraged to call 813-231-6130 or submit an anonymous tip via Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-Tips (8477).