2 teens arrested after shooting at Westshore Plaza

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Two teens have been arrested in connection with a shooting Wednesday in the parking lot at Westshore Plaza, according to the Tampa Police Department.

Two 16-year-olds were charged after the shooting, which police said stemmed from a “narcotics transaction” in the mall’s parking garage.

The victim showed up at the parking garage at 2:40 p.m. to meet with the teens, police said. The teens went to the passenger side of the victim’s car and tried to rob him of marijuana. The driver pulled away and the teens shot multiple times into the car, hitting the victim in the passenger seat.

One teen was arrested at his home hours after the shooting. The other was arrested at about 10 p.m., according to police. Officers also recovered the two guns used in the shooting.

“Juveniles who use a gun and commit a crime will face adult consequences and are mistaken if they believe they will not be held accountable,” Chief Lee Bercaw said. “I am thankful that the swift actions of our officers led to the arrest of these individuals and the recovery of the firearms involved before another member of our community could be injured.”

One teen was charged with armed robbery, aggravated battery with great bodily harm or deadly weapon, carrying concealed firearm, shooting into a vehicle, and minor in possession of a firearm. The other teen was charged with armed robbery, aggravated battery with great bodily harm or deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed firearm, minor in possession of a firearm, shooting into a vehicle, and violation of probation.

The person who was shot is expected to be OK.

Investiagators are working to learn how the teens obtained guns.

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