A man was detained on Tuesday night for allegedly being involved in a road rage shooting that injured a 4-year-old girl, according to the Tampa Police Department.
James Jackson, 34, was allegedly traveling in the 3000 block of North 50th Street when he got into a road rage incident with another vehicle, according to police. Jackson allegedly fired rounds at the second automobile, which contained a 4-year-old child.
According to authorities, the 4-year-old was hit while sitting in the rear passenger seat. Nobody else in the automobile was wounded.
The 4-year-old is expected to be well, according to authorities.
According to authorities, Jackson was found around 56th Street and East Hillsborough Avenue after being pulled over in a traffic stop near Spectrum Boulevard and East Fowler Avenue.
“It’s not the Daytona 500 out here, people; show respect for other people and cars,” said Bonnie Davis, who is sleeping at a neighboring motel.
Bonnie Davis, who is staying nearby, claims she saw all of the patrol cars and police tape where the incident occurred.
“There is a four-year-old child in there, and he did not ask for this. The child had no idea what was happening. Okay, he’ll have to live with the consequences of his actions toward this four-year-old. I hope he can live with it for the rest of his life. One, I have children, and I would want the same thing,” Davis explained.
Police stated a gun was thrown from Jackson’s car during the incident. The gun has been recovered.
Jackson is being interviewed, and charges have not yet been determined, according to police.
“Our thoughts are with the little girl who was injured in this senseless act and our Victim’s Advocate will be working closely with the family to ensure they are connected to any resources they may need,” Lee Bercaw, Tampa Police Chief, said in a statement.
“Thanks to the swift efforts taken by all the responding and investigating officers, the suspect was quickly taken off the street before he could harm another member of our community.”