HCSO investigates fatal shooting in New Tampa

NEW TAMPA, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in finding the person responsible for a homicide near the intersection of Regents Park Dr. and Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

The sheriff's office said the call came in shortly before 3 p.m. about a dead man on Regents Road. A spokesperson said the victim, an adult male, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and detectives were working to piece together what led to the shooting.

People who live and work nearby told Spectrum News they heard the shots ring out.

“I heard a lot of popping, and then I came here because my neighbor called me and said, 'Hey, there's a bunch of cops on Bruce B. Downs,'” Peggy Junco said -Collings, who lives at Lakeview Villas. neighborhood.

Regents Park Dr. was closed at the entrance to this community to Bruce B. Downs while detectives conducted the investigation.

La Petite Academy, which offers daycare, preschool and other programs for children, is across the street from the entrance to Lakeview Villas.

“It was nerve-wracking,” mother Serena Hamelin said after picking up her 1-year-old son.

La Petite was not involved in the shooting. Hamelin and Marielle Bellamy, who picked up her 1-year-old daughter Monday evening, said the academy contacted parents via email and text message to let parents know what was happening and keep them updated on the situation. They said the fact that the shooting happened so close to homes and businesses was troubling.

“I think it’s a little scary because there’s a lot of neighborhoods and kids coming out,” Bellamy said.

“There’s a lot of people, a lot of family, a lot of community here,” Hamelin said of the area. “So, it freaks you out, especially with everything – it just seems to be more events. So, it freaks me out a lot, especially with my little one.”

The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone in the area of ​​Regents Park Dr. and Bruce B. Downs Blvd. at the time of the shooting, who may have seen something involved in the case