Man Claims Self-Defense In Fatal Shooting At Hotel

TAMPA, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting that left one man dead Wednesday afternoon in the parking lot of the La Quinta Inn and Suites, 602 S. Falkenburg Road.

Just before 4:30 p.m., Detective Alex Bailey was in the area of South Falkenburg Road and Adamo Drive when witnesses to the shooting pointed out a red sedan that was leaving the parking lot of the La Quinta at a high rate of speed. Bailey, with the assistance of multiple undercover deputies, was able to take the shooter into custody before a 911 call was even made to sheriff's office.

Once in custody, the shooter said that he and dead man had gotten into a verbal argument and the dead man threatened him with a knife. In fear for his life, the shooter fired at the man, killing him.

"Detective Bailey's swift actions prevented the shooter from getting away, and I want to commend him and the other deputies who stepped up to the plate before the call was even made," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our detectives are on scene gathering information and evidence, but at this time, no arrests have been made in this case."