1 Arrested In Tampa Halloween Shooting That Killed 2, Injured 18 More

TAMPA, FL — A man has been arrested in Tampa in connection with the mass shooting that erupted during Halloween festivities early Sunday, leaving two people dead and 18 others injured.

At least two shooters opened fire just before 3 a.m. in the 1600 block of East 7th Avenue in the Ybor City area, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said during a news conference at the scene. Later Sunday he said detectives arrested Tyrell Stephen Phillips, 22, in connection with the shooting. He was charged with second-degree murder with a firearm.

Earlier, authorities said one suspect was in custody and at least one other was being sought, but Bercaw did not immediately say Sunday afternoon whether police were seeking anyone else after Phillips’ arrest.

Police said the shooting occurred after an altercation between two groups escalated. One male died at the scene and a second male died at the hospital, according to police.

Police have not released the names of those killed, but Emmitt Wilson said his 14-year-old son, Elijah, was one of the fatalities. Wilson came to the scene Sunday after getting a call that his son was a victim. Tampa police said that the other person killed was a 20-year-old man.

Bercaw did not provide details of the injuries suffered by the victims taken to area hospitals. Authorities later said most of those hurt were treated and released.

Video posted online shows people, many in Halloween costumes, drinking and talking on the street when about a dozen shots ring out followed seconds later by about eight more. A stampede ensued, with some people toppling over metal tables and taking cover behind them. Video from the aftermath shows police officers treating several people lying wounded on the ground.

"We make arrests quickly," Bercaw said in the conference. "We have a sense of urgency and if you are going to be out there with a gun, you are going to pay for it."

Bercaw added in a police department news release that its staff's "thoughts are with the victims impacted by this senseless act and our detectives are committed to holding those involved accountable."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.