A fatal shooting occurred early Saturday morning outside Flexx Sports Bar & Ultra Lounge on E. 7th Avenue in Tampa, resulting in one death and one arrest.
According to Tampa Police, the incident began shortly after 2:15 a.m. when two groups who did not know each other got into a verbal altercation outside the business. Preliminary findings indicate that a 22-year-old man was removed from the establishment for disorderly conduct, left the area, then returned with a firearm. As he approached the business again, he engaged in another brief argument with an adult male, which escalated into gunfire.
The victim, a 30-year-old man, was taken to a local hospital in critical condition and later died. Another adult male suffered injuries that are not considered life-threatening.
Police officers were stationed across the street and were approaching in response to the initial dispute when shots were fired. They immediately rendered aid and took the alleged shooter into custody.
“Split-second decisions can have lifelong consequences, and in this case, a disagreement ended with the tragic loss of life in our community,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “This shooting happened with officers in plain view. This reckless behavior is not acceptable within our community.”
One person is currently in custody and cooperating with investigators. Authorities say more information will be released as it becomes available.
