Ashley Pines Shooting Suspect Sought

Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies are searching for a Zephyrhills man wanted in connection with a June 28 shooting on the playground in the Ashley Pines subdivision in Wesley Chapel.

Deputies have identified Cesario Acosta III, 30, as the possible suspect in the shooting of Tony Barnes, 20. Barnes was shot in the stomach, deputies say. According to Kevin Doll, sheriff’s office spokesman, Acosta and Barnes met on the playground around 9:50 p.m. for a prescription drug transaction.

Acosta has been arrested in Pasco County multiple times. Previous charges include grand theft, aggravated assault and drug-related charges.

Acosta’s last known address is 4802 19^th St. in Zephyrhills. He is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about his location is asked to contact local law enforcement immediately.