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4h ago

Suspect Arrested in Clearwater Beach Teen Takeover Shooting

Police say a 16-year-old was taken into custody after a 17-year-old was wounded and officials announced a move to zero-tolerance for unpermitted social-media meetups.

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CLEARWATER, FL - MAY 04: People visit Clearwater Beach after Governor Ron DeSantis opened the beaches at 7am on May 04, 2020 in Clearwater, Florida. Restaurants, retailers, beaches and some state parks reopen today with caveats, as the state continues to ease restrictions put in place to contain COVID-19. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Beachgoers take advantage of the weather as they spend time on Clearwater Beach Tuesday, March 2, 2021, in Clearwater, Fla., a popular spring break destination, west of Tampa. Colleges around the U.S. are scaling back spring break or canceling it entirely to discourage beachfront partying that could raise infection rates back on campus. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
CLEARWATER, FL - MAY 04: People visit Clearwater Beach after Governor Ron DeSantis opened the beaches at 7am on May 04, 2020 in Clearwater, Florida. Restaurants, retailers, beaches and some state parks reopen today with caveats, as the state continues to ease restrictions put in place to contain COVID-19. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Overview

  • A large social-media-organized “teen takeover” at Clearwater Beach turned violent when gunfire broke out on Coronado Drive, leaving a 17-year-old hospitalized with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
  • Investigators say the suspected shooter, a 16-year-old, was arrested in Haines City and charged with attempted second-degree murder, discharging a firearm in public, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor.
  • Police detained several people at the scene and separately booked a 17-year-old from Brandon on charges including unlawful carrying of a concealed firearm and possession of a firearm by a minor.
  • Clearwater officers, with help from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and Largo Police, used traffic controls and a large multi-agency response to secure the area and begin a forensic and video review of the chaotic scene.
  • Officials warned that online-organized takeovers strain local businesses and safety, that social-media videos remain unverified, and that the department will step up enforcement to stop future unpermitted gatherings.