TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A night of fun with friends later turned deadly for a University of Tampa student after a fatal shooting, according to the Tampa Police Department.
The department said officers arrived at the scene on West Arch Street after 1:20 a.m. Saturday after getting a call about the shooting.
Detectives said the victim was a college student who was hanging out with his friends on South Howard Avenue.
The student ended up taking an Uber to his home on Arch Street, but police said after he left the Uber, he tried to get into a parked car that belong to another man.
The driver, who was still inside, did not know who the student was or why he was trying to enter his vehicle. Police said that the driver, fearing for his life, shot the student in the upper body, killing him.
The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with officers. At this time, no charges have been filed, but the State Attorney’s Office will decide if any action will be taken, according to police.
The University of Tampa sent the following statement to News Channel 8:
The UT administration is deeply saddened to report that a UT student was killed early this morning … Our heartfelt condolences go out to the student’s family and friends, as well as all who were affected by this incident. The University values all members of the community and mourns this tragic loss. The University is currently cooperating with the Tampa Police Department in its investigation of the incident.
The University of Tampa
The victim will not be identified, per Marsy’s law.