HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (CBs12) — A heated dispute over bullying among children escalated into a shooting incident at a Florida apartment complex, resulting in a man’s arrest.
Sheriff Chad Chronister emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, “This situation escalated quickly and recklessly, putting lives at risk, including children. Pulling a gun and firing at someone over a dispute is unacceptable. We will continue to hold those who resort to violence fully accountable.”
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said that deputies were called to the scene after receiving a 911 call about a confrontation where a firearm had been discharged.
According to officials, their investigation revealed that the altercation began when a group of children was playing outside.
A child, who wasn’t part of the group, allegedly returned home and informed a family member that she had been bullied.
The Sheriff’s Office said that this prompted a gathering of adults at the apartment complex to address the situation, leading to a heated verbal exchange.
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During the confrontation, 35-year-old Khiry Cole approached the victim and started a physical fight, per the Sheriff’s Office.
The report states that Cole then pulled out a firearm and chased the victim, firing two shots as the victim fled. No one was injured in the incident.
Cole is now facing several charges, including:
Attempted Murder in the Second Degree Aggravated BatteryDischarge of a Firearm in Public or on Residential Property
On Sunday, Cole voluntarily turned himself in at Orient Road Jail, where he was taken into custody.