Judge Denies Bond for Shooter in Downtown Tampa Incident

UPDATE: A judge has just denied bond for Kevin Arriola, the man accused of firing a gun at a vehicle following a chaotic crash in downtown Tampa, Florida. This urgent decision comes after police reported that Arriola, aged 29, was involved in a serious incident on July 15, 2023, where he crashed into multiple cars and then unleashed gunfire.

Arriola was arrested after crashing his Mazda 3 on the Selmon Expressway exit ramp onto East Kennedy Boulevard. Witnesses described him as “driving erratically” prior to the collision. After the crash, he exited his vehicle and began shooting at a red Chrysler 300, an act that could have easily ended in tragedy. Fortunately, 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.

Upon the arrival of Hillsborough County deputies, Arriola was found flailing his arms and shouting, reportedly declaring, “I killed her” and “I’m god.” After being read his rights, he confessed to police that he emptied his gun’s magazine into the Chrysler, intending to kill the driver, whom he did not know. The driver, a nurse, stated she was responding to potential injuries when the shooting began.

Authorities discovered nine bullet holes in the Chrysler, indicating the severity of the incident. Surveillance footage from a tow vehicle and the Hillsborough County Public Schools building captured the entire event.

Arriola faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and possession of a firearm in commission of a felony. Prosecutors have moved to keep him in jail until his trial. After the defense chose not to contest this motion, Judge J. Logan Murphy ruled that Arriola will remain without bond until a future court hearing.

As of now, Arriola is still being held in a hospital, raising questions about his mental state at the time of the incident. This developing story highlights the urgent need for public safety measures in urban areas, as incidents like these can have devastating effects on the community.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.