On Independence Day in Tampa, Florida, a dispute over jet ski operations tragically escalated into a fatal shooting. A 7-year-old boy was killed, and his grandfather injured, following an altercation on the waterfront, confirmed the Tampa Police Department.
According to Deputy Chief Calvin Johnson, the incident transpired on Tuesday evening near the Courtney Campbell Boat Ramp. He explained that two groups had a disagreement over the proximity of one group’s jet ski activities to the shore, where children were playing in the water.
Johnson described the subsequent progression of the conflict: “The argument escalated to a confrontation and then to a shooting – ‘senseless gunfire,'”. This description was provided during a press briefing held on Wednesday morning.
Following the shooting, the boy’s grandfather, in an instinctual act of protection, drew his grandson into a truck. However, a stray bullet pierced the vehicle, injuring the grandfather’s hand and tragically striking the young boy in the head.
The boy was promptly rushed to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities have yet to release the victim’s name.
RELATED: 30 People Shot, 2 Dead at Block Party in Gun Controlled Left Wing Paradise of Baltimore
“There is no reason, no excuse that an argument can lead to gunfire, much less an argument over jet skis,” Johnson said, expressing his condemnation of the tragic incident.
“Now we got citizens, we got families, we got folks in our communities, who have to deal with this tragic incident that occurred on the Fourth of July,” he continued.
Johnson also directly addressed the alleged culprits during the news conference. He urged them to come forward, stating, “We want to bring the folks who did this shooting to justice. We want to hold them accountable for their actions. If they’re out here, and they hear me today, turn yourself in.”
He furthered his plea, compelling the culprits to consider the gravity of their actions. “Your actions and your anger, it led to a 7-year-old just starting his life getting killed because you were angry over a jet ski. Just imagine if that was your child that was killed over this.”
Johnson urged anyone with relevant information to contact the Tampa Police Department or Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay, 800-873-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at http://www.crimestopperstb.com.
In an appeal to the broader community, Johnson said, “We need to do better as a community, really, as Americans.”
“Our thoughts are with the family of this innocent child,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in response to the tragedy. “Our detectives will work tirelessly until all those involved are identified and arrested.”
As the investigation continues, this tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from heated disagreements escalating into violent acts.
RELATED: James Woods Just Smashed Every Single Pro-Gun Control Argument to Bits With a Single Tweet