A teen was apprehended in a fatal Central Florida shooting.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested the 16-year-old in connection with a fatal shooting in Ruskin that killed one man and injured another.
At the time, the HCSO 911 Dispatch Center got a report of a shooting in the 5000 block of White Chicory Drive in Apollo Beach. When deputies arrived, they discovered a vehicle in a ditch along 19th Avenue Northeast in Ruskin with two occupants suffering from gunshot wounds.
The driver, Jonathan Blue, 19, was taken to the hospital and eventually died. A female passenger was also sent to the hospital and is in stable condition.
According to detectives, the incident took place during a scheduled narcotics deal at the apartment. During the interaction, there was gunshots.
Detectives identified the culprit as 16-year-old James Middlebrooks.
Middlebrooks was initially charged with minor possession of a firearm and tampering with physical evidence. Following additional research and consultation with the State Attorney’s Office, a warrant was issued charging him with First-Degree Premeditated Murder, Attempted First-Degree Premeditated Murder, and two counts of Shooting at or Within a Vehicle.
“This was a senseless act of violence that killed a young person and injured another. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister stated, “Those responsible will be held accountable.” “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family as they deal with this unimaginable loss.” We remain determined to seek justice and keep our neighborhood secure.”
James Middlebrooks was already in custody at the Department of Juvenile Justice and was taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center for processing. Local law enforcement officials say the inquiry is still ongoing.
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