Tampa security guard recovering after New Year’s Eve shooting near Curtis Hixon Park: ‘It’s not a game’

Security guard shot on New Year's Eve speaks out

Evan Axelbank reports.

TAMPA, Fla. - James Portocarrero said he was trying to do his job on New Year's Eve when someone among a group of juveniles opened fire near Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa.

"It's not a game," Portocarrero said of his job as a security guard. "When you put your life on the line for other people."

He said in a video on Instagram that he was patrolling a private event near the art museum on New Year's Eve when groups of minors began "swarming" the area on bikes and electric scooters and throwing fireworks around.

As he went over to investigate, Portocarrero was shot.

"It felt like getting hit by a cannonball. Turns out it was a 9mm hollow-tip," he said. "Went in my arm and lodged in my chest."

Pictured: James Portocarrero.

He spent under 24 hours in the hospital, but his sister, Rachel Parekh told FOX 13 that he may have nerve damage in his arm. Since she heard the news, she has been holding her breath from far away in California.

"My brother has always gravitated to a career like this," said Parekh. "He's about 6'6" and people have always kind of seen him as a target."

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The morning after the shooting, the Tampa Police Department asked the public for tips.

"I would love it if this person took responsibility and could turn themselves in," Parekh said. "But ultimately, I can't base my sense of peace on if that is ever going to happen. I don't think it's wise for me to."

Even if he's physically able, she's not sure if her brother will ever work security again. But, Parekh does say Portocarrero is even prouder of his work making instructional videos to teach peaceful conflict resolution.

"Tomorrow is promised to no one," she said. "And, it's very hard to make sense of trauma when it's happening right now."

Portocarrero said he did learn one thing:

"I appreciate everything more," he said on his Instagram video. "And, it's too bad that you have to come up to the precipice of life and death before you get there."

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His family also said they're thankful to the police who responded and stopped the bleeding before he was transported to the hospital. Portocarrero might need arm surgery to repair that nerve damage.

Tampa police are still looking for tips, so if anyone out there might know who the shooter is, police want you to give them a call.

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