TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Police Department (TPD) said they are investigating a shooting at an apartment complex that left one dead and five wounded on Thursday.
Police said shortly before 1:00 a.m. on Sept. 11, officers responded to a report of a shooting at an apartment complex on the 6000 block of Woodville Street in Tampa.
Watch Mary O'Connell talk to advocates about teens and gun violence
Officers found three people who had been shot. According to the report, a 21-year-old male and a 19-year-old male were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, and a 17-year-old male was transported in critical condition, where he later died from his injuries.
“My detectives have been working overnight, and they're working now to develop leads and find witnesses to bring the shooter to justice," said Police Chief Lee Bercaw.
TPD said three additional males ages 22, 21, and 19 were also taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Whether it's gun violence involving young adults or teens, advocates say enough is enough.
"You need to talk to someone if something's bothering you," said Freddy Barton, the Executive Director of Safe and Sound Hillsborough, the violence prevention collaborative of Hillsborough County. "You don't need to pick up a firearm if you get angry. Understand that some of the things that may upset you and frustrate you right now won't even matter a year from now."
Barton said they're seeing young people get their hands on firearms at a rapid and alarming rate.
He said they operate a youth gun offender program and are always reminding people one decision can impact your life for years.
"We've got to wrap our arms around these young people, we've got to support them, we've got to mentor them, and most importantly, we've got to educate them on the consequences of such actions," said Barton.
Staff at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay also stand ready to help.
"Crisis Center also has some services that we can provide with therapy. It either can be with, as a family, we have a multi-systemic therapy program," said Dr. Sindy Ramos, the "Youth Experiencing Success" program manager at the Crisis Center. "We also have 211 for other resources."
Dr. Ramos shared ways parents can step in too.
"Creating a safe environment for their kids is very important, being able to be more supportive than coming from a space of fear," said Ramos.
Tampa Police said at this time, detectives believe this shooting may have stemmed from a previous dispute and is an isolated incident. Anyone with information is asked to call Tampa Police at 813-231-6130.
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