Tampa road rage shooting leaves 4-year-old girl injured, man faces 15 charges
Florida police charged a man with several felonies after a 4-year-old girl was shot in a road rage incident.
The Tampa Police Department announced Tuesday night it arrested James Jackson, 34, in connection to the shooting, which happened earlier that evening in the eastern part of the city on Florida's west coast.
Investigators believe that Jackson, driving a Kia Optima, became irate with the driver of a Chevrolet sedan. While the Chevy was stopped at a red light, the Kia pulled up alongside it, according to the TPD release.
Officials say he then fired multiple shots through the open passenger window towards the Chevy. A 4-year-old girl in the back seat was struck with a bullet, transported to a nearby hospital and listed in stable condition. The other passengers, an 8-year-old girl, the children's mother and a male passenger were not injured, TPD said.
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Road rage driver faces 15 criminal charges
“Our thoughts are with the little girl who was injured in this senseless act and our Victim’s Advocate will be working closely with the family to ensure they are connected to any resources they may need,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw.
Jackson was charged with the following:
- Attempted murder, great bodily harm (firearm)
- Three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Aggravated battery great bodily harm
- Discharge of a firearm from a vehicle
- Two counts of felon in possession of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony
- Tampering with physical evidence
- Fleeing to elude
- Resisting officer without violence
- Possession of cannabis
- Possession of cannabis with intent to sell/deliver
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Hillsborough County Jail records show he as booked shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday morning and is being held without bond. Jackson's attorney information was not yet available in court records.
