TPD: 1 dead, 6 injured in Tampa bar shooting
TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Police Department is searching for at least one suspect accused of shooting seven people, one fatally, outside a Franklin Street bar early Sunday morning.
According to police, a large fight broke out inside the LIT Cigar & Martini Lounge at 908 N Franklin St. shortly before 3 a.m.
Tampa Police Chief Mary O’Connor says a suspect left the bar, armed himself, and returned. She says the fight spilled onto Franklin Street and that’s when at least one person opened fire.
Corey Shankle witnessed the shooting and said, "We walked out, and we saw the guy shot in the head on the corner and then multiple people were being shot in different areas."
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One of the victims, who was from California and in town for a wedding, was killed.
Seven people were shot, one fatally, early Sunday morning outside a bar in downtown Tampa.
Four men and two women were taken to Bay Area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
"The suspects clearly have a disregard for human life. They opened fire into a crowd of people that weren’t doing anything more than just celebrating out here on Franklin Street, so it’s a disturbing set of circumstances," O’Connor said.
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O’Connor says she is aware of at least one suspect, but adds there may have been more than one shooter. However, she states that there is no imminent threat to the community.
7 people were shot, one fatally, at LIT Cigar & Martini Lounge early Sunday morning.
"Three o’clock in the morning, alcohol and guns are not a good combination," O’Connor stated.
People living in the area say they're not surprised by the incident.
This is the fourth shooting on Franklin Street this year that's resulted from fights between people going to the various bars and nightclubs that sit right next to each other.
"They do very well trying to keep all types of riff-raff out - but once they leave the establishment you don't know what's going to happen... it's senseless to lose a life over an argument," stated Eric Smith, a witness to the shooting.
It is unclear if the person who died was involved in the altercation.
Anyone with information that could lead to the identification and apprehension of the suspect or suspects involved is asked to contact the Tampa Police Department by calling 813-231-6130. Tips can also be sent via TIP411 through our TampaPD app. For those wishing to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers of Tampa Bay.