Tampa pride goes on after early morning shooting
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — People packed the streets of Ybor City for Tampa Pride on Saturday.
The event comes on the heels of an overnight triple shooting in the same area and with festivities continuing into Saturday night safety is at the top of mind for many.
Tampa police are investigating an early morning shooting that happened in an Ybor City parking garage. Responding officers found three men suffering from gunshot wounds and arrested Sunny Wallace, 21, at the scene.
Suspect arrested, charged after 3 men shot in Ybor parking garage, Tampa police say
“The suspect was coming down the building in the parking garage and steered the car towards one of my officers,” Chief Lee Bercaw said. “Fortunately, they were able to jump out of the way and prevent from getting hit by the car. But the message is, is if you come to Ybor with a gun, you’re going to get caught. There are officers everywhere.”
In the same area, a pride parade brought out thousands from the LGBTQIA+ community. Tampa police increased security for the event.
“We need everybody’s eyes and ears. If you see something suspicious, you need to let us know so we can do something,” Chief Bercaw said.
Following a deadly Halloween weekend shooting last year, foot traffic in Ybor has slowed significantly. But the area remains popular among Tampa Bay’s LGBTQIA+ community.
2 dead, 16 injured in Ybor shooting during Halloween celebrations; suspect arrested
“My nephew was actually part of the shooting at the time, so it makes me a little nervous. But it’s awesome, you know, seeing everyone still come out here, regardless of what’s been going on,” a parade goer said.
People celebrating pride said they are not worried about crime but are just looking to have a good time and be accepted.
“So it’s just something that I’m not going to let prevent me from living my life and living my truth,” a member of the LGBTQIA+ community said.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
