CLEARWATER, Fla. — A 16-year-old suspect has been arrested for attempted murder after a shooting on Clearwater Beach Sunday, Clearwater Police Deputy Chief Michael Walek said.
WATCH: 16-year-old arrested for attempted murder after 'teen takeover' on Clearwater Beach
At a press conference on June 2, Deputy Chief Walek said the 16-year-old suspect from Haines City is in jail in Polk County and charged with attempted second-degree murder, discharging a firearm in public and unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor.
The teen was from a group in Winter Haven that had a feud with another group.
A 17-year-old was shot and taken to the hospital after being shot in his arm, leg and chest near Coronado Drive on Clearwater Beach on May 31. The victim, who was shot seven times, has non-life-threatening injuries, Walek said.
Watch full press conference
On June 1, police arrested a 17-year-old from Brandon on multiple charges in connection with the weekend incident.
Walek said law enforcement knew of the planned event called "teen takeovers" on social media. Officers monitored social media leading up to the event Sunday.
"This kind of reckless and criminal behavior will not be tolerated on Clearwater Beach or anywhere in our city," Walek said. “We were aware of the planned event and had manned power allocated, our threat management unit monitored the social media post for the event in the days leading up to it, we coordinated manpower and resources as a result of the review. This event escalated quickly."
Authorities say they are putting a greater emphasis on monitoring social media to stop these takeovers before they even start.
“We had one that was going to pop up this Saturday down on Madeira Beach, our deputies went up and talked to the guy and talked to his mother and said, 'look we are going to do this the easy way or hard way, it’s not happening,' and as soon as we left he posted on social media that they, 'aint playin' and 'we’re canceling this event,''' said Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri.
Law enforcement also said, it may have been the first week of summer vacation, but the last week for a teen takeover.
"Clearwater Beach has been and remains a safe and family place to visit. People come from all over the world to enjoy our beautiful beaches, we will not allow outsiders to come in and ruin our reputation," said Walek.
Tampa Bay 28 reporter Robert Boyd went to Clearwater Beach the day after the incident and spoke with business owners who were frustrated by the loss of revenue.
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said there would be a strong law enforcement presence on Clearwater Beach in the coming days and this weekend.
Share Your Story with Robert
We all take pride in where we live, and Robert Boyd takes pride in highlighting North Pinellas County. Concerns and triumphs from Clearwater to Tarpon Springs and everywhere in-between, Robert is here for you. Just use the form below to reach out to Robert.
.
6.1 earthquake off the coast of Cuba, Tampa Bay residents report feeling quake
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said a 6.1 magnitude earthquake was reported off the coast of Cuba around 2 p.m. on June 8. Viewers and residents around the Tampa Bay area have reported feeling the earthquake.
