2 arrested, 1 injured in Tampa strip club shooting: HCSO

Rachel Tucker
·2 min read
43

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Two men were arrested early Monday morning after shots were fired outside a Tampa strip club.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies heard gunshots coming from the Secrets Gentlemen’s Club at 1:53 a.m.

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As they pulled up to the business, deputies reported seeing a white SUV pulling out of the parking lot. They tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver sped away.

HCSO’s helicopter joined the chase as Tampa police officers and Florida Highway Patrol troopers helped coordinate the pursuit.

Deputies boxed in the SUV when it approached a stop sign, but the driver, Kenneth Jackson, 34, got out and ran off on foot, according to HCSO. He was apprehended by Tampa police officers.

HCSO arrested the passenger and the alleged shooter, Jafet Rodriguez, 38, without incident.

“The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office will not stand for any form of violence in our community. These two individuals will be held accountable for their reckless and violent actions,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “Our deputies and law enforcement partners showcased remarkable skill and teamwork in arresting these perpetrators. Let the message be clear: anyone who believes they can bring violence into our community will meet the full force of the law.”

Back at the club, deputies found a man who was shot in the shoulder. HCSO identified him as Joar Michel, 39.

Security footage provided by HCSO shows Rodriguez and Jackson getting out of the SUV outside the club. According to HCSO, Rodriguez fired several shots into a car, where Michel was sitting, from just feet away.

Rodriguez was charged with attempted murder with a firearm, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Jackson was charged with principal to attempted murder, fleeing and eluding police, resisting an officer without violence and driving without a valid license.

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