TAMPA -- Tampa's police chief is asking for help after two shootings Monday afternoon turned deadly.
Mary O' Connor says she wants anyone possessing guns illegally arrested. O' Connor says 78 guns have been stolen so far this year in Tampa. At least six people have been arrested for gun thefts.
In the first shooting at Columbus Drive and Avenida Republica de Cuba, an argument involving a 24-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy with firearms, led to a 21-year-old man getting killed, and the 15-year-old hospitalized with a gunshot wound. Two hours later, a man died in a shooting at 35th Street and Chelsea, after being driven to a hospital. Detectives are following up on leads in the case. No arrests have been made in either killing.
"We as a community have to keep guns out of the hands of those who shouldn't have them to begin with," O'Connor said.
O'Connor is asking people who know a felon in possession of a firearm to send in a tip. The Crime Stoppers line (800-873-TIPS) and tip reporting apps to out them.
State Representative Dianne Hart appeared with O' Connor. She says teens on social media are posting pictures of themselves with firearms. "When you see these kids with these guns, tell somebody," Hart said. "It is summer, children will be out all summer long. It is hot, temperatures are running rampant," Hart said, urging parents to "shake down" their children's rooms. "We cannot put blinders on."
O'Connor says arguments on social media are escalating into gunfights. She assembled local leaders who appeared with her at the news conference and has spoken of forming a task force to head off more violence involving firearms this summer.
Photo: City of Tampa / Canva