Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane Died of Friendly Fire
Three days after Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane was tragically shot dead in Polk City, it has now emerged that the shot came from a fellow deputy sheriff. According to Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff, Lane succumbed to injuries after a shooting in Foxtown South. On the fateful night, the four deputies were serving a search warrant at a mobile home in the area. The suspect was armed with a rifle, forcing the four deputies to defend themselves. However, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s office, two deputies fired their agency-issued firearms as they took cover. Unfortunately, one struck Lane, who was caught up in the crossfire. A military parade has since then been mounted in honor of the deceased deputy sheriff. More investigation continues to be done on the shooting.
Man Arrested Over Tampa Gas Station Homicide
A 24-year-old has been arrested in Tampa following the gas station homicide on August 24. Officers were called to the Shell Gas Station on August 24 when a gunfire incident was detected. When the police arrived, they found a man (26) with multiple gun injuries in the parking lot. The victim was rushed to hospital but later succumbed to injuries. The police then launched an investigation which led to Derick P. Bowden being identified as the main suspect. With enough evidence against him, an arrest warrant was issued against him. According to the police, Bowden knew the victim and might have had a misunderstanding with him. After a few days of searching, Tampa police found a breakthrough after a tip from Crime Stoppers. The suspect was arrested in Hillsborough County and is charged with first-degree murder. Bowden is also facing felony charges and possession of a firearm. The victim has been identified, and his family has since come forward.
Tampa Bay Tourism Industry To Reopen After Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian has badly hit Tampa Bay, but shareholders in the tourism industry want to put that past them. Ever since the hurricane swept through the area, everything came to a standstill. The tourism industry suffered significant losses, just like everything else in Tampa. However, before this, the local tourism industry was on an upward trajectory and enjoying a good run. Local tourism leaders are keen to continue with this trend and are spreading the word that the industry is open for business. Both airports (Tampa International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport) shut down operations for about three days during Hurricane Ian. However, neither of them sustained significant damage or losses. As fate would have it, several conventions scheduled in Tampa were canceled. The industry took a significant hit as local and international tourists canceled their plans. Speaking to reporters, local tourism industry leaders want people to know Tampa is open for business. “Tampa has suffered significant damages due to Ian, but we are glad that its effects are subsiding,” said Corrada. According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the leisure and hospitality sector employs over 1.2 million people in Florida.
Man Charged for Crime Spree During Hurricane Ian
A holiday man is in police custody after being arrested for an alleged crime spree. Paso County deputies said that Stefanos Papastefanou, 33, was charged with three burglary cases on September 27, 28, and 30. He is said to have broken into different businesses in Pasco and stole $1,450 in lottery tickets. He also stole $300 in cash and $250 worth of cigarette cartons. According to the officers, Papastefanou cashed in one of the lottery tickets within two hours after the incident. Pasco County deputies say the suspect accepted committing the crimes after his rights were read to him. He committed these crimes during Hurricane Ian, a time when most businesses were empty. He waits to be arraigned in court.
Pregnant Mother Shot in the Head While Sleeping In Rental Car
A pregnant mother in her 20s is nursing gunshot injuries after being shot in the head by a drive-by shooter. The shooter is said to have shot at a car housing a family of five more than ten times on the night of October 5. At around 4:30 am, 12 rounds were fired from a passing sedan car into the family car parked in a public recreation center in Tampa. It was a rental car, and the family was spending the night there. According to the Tampa Police Department, the mother was pregnant and in her mid-20s. One of the bullets struck her in the head but, fortunately, didn’t cause any life-threatening injuries. The woman’s husband and their children 3,4, and 9, were sleeping in the car at the time of the shooting. The family is now homeless and resulted to using their car as temporary shelter. The suspect is still on the loose, and the police are seeking the public’s help to locate him. According to the police, the family was targeted randomly, and it was not a predetermined move.