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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A fatal hit-and-run that occurred on Sunday has been reclassified as a homicide following an investigation, the Tampa Police Department reported.
The investigation began Sunday morning when officers said they were alerted by hospital staff that a patient had died after being struck by a vehicle.
According to TPD detectives, the incident began around 4:30 a.m. inside the Vale after-hours nightclub located at 7123 N. Armenia Avenue.
Detectives said that the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Jose Zamora Valdes, was being ejected from the club when he got into an altercation with a woman with whom he was acquainted.
As security staff escorted Valdes out of the building, he allegedly pushed the woman, causing her to stumble into another guest and sparking a brief verbal dispute.
Credit: Tampa Police Department
Detectives state that after ejecting Valdes from the club, the security guard began walking to his car with his friend.
At this time, police said that Valdes entered his vehicle and drove north on Armenia Avenue before making a sharp, intentional turn and striking the security guard.
The security guard was critically injured and later died. His friend suffered minor injuries.
Following the attack, Valdes fled the scene and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
The vehicle Valdes was driving at the time of the attack has since been located and impounded.
The Tampa Police Fugiitive Apprehension Unit and the U.S. Marshals Task Force are working together to located Valdes who is wanted on charges of murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
“Our hearts go out to the family and colleagues of the security guard who lost his life while simply doing his job to keep others safe,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “Using a vehicle as a weapon and driving into unsuspecting victims is a cowardly act, and it has no place in our community. Our officers, detectives, Fugitive Apprehension Unit, and federal partners, are working tirelessly to ensure this dangerous individual is taken off the streets and will face justice for his actions.”
If anyone has information that could aid in the investigation or lead to the arrest of Zamora Valdes, they should contact the Tampa Police Department at 813-231-6130.
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