Tampa Man Fired Gun After Children’s Bullying Dispute: Hillsborough Sheriff

TAMPA, FL — A Tampa man was arrested on multiple charges, including attempted murder, two weeks after a shooting that stemmed from a dispute over a children’s bullying incident, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Deputies responded to a shooting at an unnamed apartment complex on March 23.

From speaking with witnesses, detectives learned that the incident started with a group of children playing outside.

A child who wasn’t included in the group went home and told a family member that she was being bullied, the sheriff’s office said.

Adults gathered outside the apartment complex to discuss the issue, which led to an argument among several people.

During the confrontation, the suspect, Khiry Cole, 35, started a fight with the victim, the sheriff’s office said. He then pulled out a gun and chased the victim, firing two shots at them as they ran off. There were no injuries.

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Cole, who turned himself in at Orient Road Jail on April 5.

In addition to second-degree attempted murder, Cole was also charged with aggravated battery and discharging a firearm in public or on a residential property.

“This situation escalated quickly and recklessly, putting lives at risk, including children,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “Pulling a gun and firing at someone over a dispute is unacceptable. We will continue to hold those who resort to violence fully accountable.”

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