Judge Denies Bond for Tampa Shooter After Erratic Gunfire

UPDATE: A judge has just denied bond for 29-year-old Kevin Arriola, who faces serious charges after a shocking incident in downtown Tampa on July 25, 2023. Arriola is accused of shooting at a vehicle following a chaotic crash that involved multiple cars on the Selmon Expressway exit ramp onto East Kennedy Boulevard.

According to the Tampa Police Department, Arriola was driving erratically before colliding with other vehicles. After the crash, he exited his Mazda 3 and opened fire on a red Chrysler 300, fortunately sparing anyone from serious injuries. Police Chief Lee Bercaw condemned the actions as “extremely dangerous and senseless,” highlighting how easily the situation could have escalated into tragedy.

Witnesses reported that upon the arrival of the Hillsborough County deputies, Arriola was behaving erratically, flailing his arms and shouting, “I killed her” and “I’m god.” After being informed of his rights, he admitted to trying to kill the driver of the Chrysler, despite not knowing her personally.

The victim, a nurse, was on her way to assist others when she became the target of Arriola’s gunfire. Law enforcement discovered nine bullet holes in the Chrysler’s windshield, hood, and front right quarter panel, confirming the severity of the attack. Surveillance footage from a tow vehicle and nearby buildings captured the alarming incident.

Arriola is currently facing multiple charges, including first-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, possession of a firearm during a felony, and shooting into a vehicle. Following the prosecution’s motion to keep him detained, the defense opted not to contest it, leading Judge J. Logan Murphy to rule that Arriola would remain without bond until a later hearing.

As of this report, Arriola remains in a hospital. The community is left shaken by the incident, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The situation remains under investigation, and more updates are expected as law enforcement continues to assess the ramifications of this alarming event. Stay tuned for further developments.