Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Tampa, Florida – A 22-year-old suspect has been apprehended and charged with second-degree murder in connection with a shooting that unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning on a bustling street in Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood. The incident has led to the tragic deaths of two individuals and left 16 others wounded.
The violent incident was sparked by a confrontation between two groups, erupting as hundreds of revelers were exiting bars and nightclubs shortly before 3 a.m. According to Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw, the victims included a 14-year-old boy and a 22-year-old man.
Out of the 16 individuals injured, 15 sustained gunshot wounds, while one person sustained other severe injuries. Tampa Fire Rescue responded swiftly, offering immediate on-site triage, and subsequently, the victims were transported to nearby hospitals, as confirmed by the Tampa police.
The Tampa Police issued an official statement stating, “Many of the additional victims, who ranged in age from 18-27 years old, have been medically treated and released from the hospital. Five remain in the hospital, recovering from their injuries.”
Notably, while initial reports indicated 18 people were injured, Chief Bercaw clarified that two individuals tragically lost their lives, and 16 others sustained injuries.
This grim event unfolded amidst various Halloween festivities taking place across the nation. The 22-year-old suspect, Tyrell Stephen Phillips, now faces a second-degree murder charge involving a firearm, as reaffirmed by Chief Bercaw during a briefing. Chief Bercaw emphasized the urgency in making arrests, stating, “We have a sense of urgency, and if you are going to be out there with a gun, you are going to pay for it.” Currently, there is no attorney on record for Phillips as per jail records.
The swift arrest of Phillips was made possible due to the invaluable assistance of the community in providing crucial tips to law enforcement. Chief Bercaw underscored the significance of the “see something, say something” approach, encouraging the public to promptly report any suspicious activities.
Chief Bercaw highlighted that officers were present at the scene when the incident occurred and were able to respond within seconds. He described the situation, noting, “People were out on Saturday night. It’s three o’clock, the bars let out, there’s hundreds in the street.”
Two handguns were recovered at the scene, with one reportedly stolen. Authorities are currently investigating the potential involvement of additional shooters.
State Attorney Suzy Lopez expressed the commitment of her office to support the investigation and to prosecute those involved in senseless gun violence.
The Tampa Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is actively participating in the ongoing investigation.
Following the shooting, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor issued a statement extending condolences and emphasizing the need to address issues related to impulsive decision-making and the accessibility of firearms.
“As the investigation progresses, the Tampa community grapples with the aftermath of a dispute that escalated into a chaotic and devastating event. Calls for accountability and justice resonate in the wake of this tragedy,” noted the Tampa Democratic party in a statement posted on their website.
