Tampa police detectives made quick arrests of two teens following a shooting in the parking garage of Westshore Plaza that left one injured.
On March 27th, Tampa Police officers arrested 16-year-old Tarivus Clemons and 16-year-old Armontae Wilson after a shooting related to a narcotic transaction in the mall’s parking garage.
The investigation revealed that the victim arrived at the garage at 2:40pm to meet with Clemons and Wilson. The two suspects approached the front passenger side of the car where the victim was seated and tried to rob him of marijuana. As the driver of the vehicle began to drive away, Clemons and Wilson both fired several rounds into the vehicle, striking the passenger twice.
The victims fled the area before stopping at a nearby residence and calling 911. Officers responded to the residence and located the passenger who was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle was not hurt.
Detectives developed leads and, through investigative means, were able to positively identify Clemons and Wilson as the suspects. Within hours of the shooting, officers apprehended Clemons at his residence, located at 4438 W. Trilby Ave., and took him into custody without incident. Just before 10:00pm, Wilson was located at his residence, 3719 Ohio Ave., and was also arrested without incident. The two firearms used in the incident were recovered by investigators.
“Juveniles who use a gun and commit a crime will face adult consequences and are mistaken if they believe they will not be held accountable,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “I am thankful that the swift actions of our officers led to the arrest of these individuals and the recovery of the firearms involved before another member of our community could be injured.”
Tarivus Clemons was charged with Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery Great Bodily Harm or Deadly Weapon, Carrying Concealed Firearm, Shooting into a Vehicle, and Minor in Possession of a Firearm.
Armontae Wilson was charged with Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery Great Bodily Harm or Deadly Weapon, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Minor In Possession of a Firearm, Shooting Into a Vehicle, and Violation of Probation.
This remains an active investigation as detectives work to determine how the juveniles came to possess the firearms.
