TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Police have arrested 34-year-old James D. Jackson, the suspect involved in a shooting that occurred on N. 50th St. Tuesday evening and left a 4-year-old injured with a gunshot wound.
“Our thoughts are with the little girl who was injured in this senseless act and our Victim’s Advocate will be working closely with the family to ensure they are connected to any resources they may need,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “Thanks to the swift efforts taken by all the responding and investigating officers, the suspect was quickly taken off the street before he could harm another member of our community.”
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Just after 6 pm Tuesday, Tampa Police responded to the report of a shooting that occurred in the 3000 block of N. 50th St. Preliminary investigation revealed that Jackson, who was driving a 2013 white KIA Optima, became engaged in a roadway altercation with the occupants of a 2014 white Chevy sedan.
Jackson fired a gun at the occupants of the Chevy while in the 3000 block of N. 50th St, striking the 4-year-old female who was a passenger in the rear seat.
The 4-year-old was transported to a nearby hospital, where she is currently listed in stable condition. The other occupants of the Chevy, an adult female driver, an adult male passenger, and one additional rear-seat child passenger, thankfully, were not injured.
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Jackson then fled the area.
Officers immediately began looking for the suspect, locating the Optima near 56th St. and E. Hillsborough Ave. at approximately 7:42 pm. Officers were able to stop the vehicle at Spectrum Blvd and E. Fowler Ave, arresting Jackson without incident. During the arrest, a gun that had been tossed from the Optima was recovered.
Jackson is currently being detained and interviewed by detectives, with final charges to be determined.
Anyone with information related to this shooting is urged to contact the Tampa Police Department at 813.231.6130.
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