UPDATE: A judge has just denied bond for Kevin Arriola, the 29-year-old man accused of a reckless shooting incident in downtown Tampa, Florida. The ruling comes after a chaotic scene unfolded on the Selmon Expressway exit ramp onto East Kennedy Boulevard earlier this week, where Arriola allegedly fired multiple shots at a vehicle following a crash.
According to the Tampa Police Department, Arriola was driving erratically before colliding with several cars on July 3, 2023. Following the crashes, he exited his Mazda 3 and began shooting at a red Chrysler 300, though thankfully, no serious injuries were reported.
“This was an extremely dangerous and senseless situation that could have easily resulted in tragedy,” stated Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw.
When deputies from Hillsborough County arrived, Arriola was reportedly flailing his arms and shouting, claiming, “I killed her” and “I’m god.” After being read his rights, he allegedly confessed to emptying his gun’s magazine into the Chrysler in an attempt to kill the driver, whom he did not know. The victim, a nurse, was on her way to assist others when the shooting occurred.
Authorities discovered a total of nine bullet holes in the Chrysler, with damage recorded across the windshield, hood, and front right quarter panel. Surveillance footage from a nearby tow truck and the Hillsborough County Public Schools building captured the shocking incident.
Arriola faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Following his arrest, prosecutors requested that he remain in jail until trial.
During a hearing on Thursday, Judge J. Logan Murphy ruled Arriola would be held without bond, citing the severity of the charges. His defense team chose not to contest the motion, allowing for the immediate ruling.
As of now, Arriola remains hospitalized, and authorities continue to investigate the incident. The community is left shaken by this alarming event, highlighting the dangers of reckless behavior and gun violence.
Next steps: Legal proceedings are expected to continue, and updates will follow as this case develops. The public is urged to remain vigilant and aware of the ongoing situation in downtown Tampa.
