West Hillsborough News

From February 8, 2023 post.

Update: February 7, 2023

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detectives have identified the man responsible for the homicide that occurred at the shell gas station on 6605 east Dr. Martin Luther King on Saturday, February 4, 2022.

Detectives have issued an arrest warrant for Paul Wayne Williams II, 32, for 1st degree murder while engaged in carjacking, armed carjacking (great bodily harm / death), attempted robbery with a firearm, aggravated battery with a firearm, and felon in possession of a firearm.

Williams has additional unrelated outstanding arrest warrants for:

- Possession Of Cannabis Less Than 20 Grams- Resisting Officer Without Violence- Trafficking In Illegal Drugs 4 To 14 Grams- Felon In Possession Of A Firearm- Possession Of Controlled Substance- Contempt Of Court (Child Support) x2

Williams is believed to be transient within the Tampa area. Detectives are asking for the public's assistance in locating him. If seen, residents are asked to not approach him, but instead call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office immediately. He may be in possession of a firearm, and extreme caution should be used. Anyone with information is asked to call HCSO at (813) 247-8200.

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*February 4, 2023

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Saturday night.

On February 4, 2023, shortly after 8:30 p.m., deputies and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to the Shell gas station located at 6605 E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in reference to a reported shooting.

When deputies arrived they discovered one man had been shot, he was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. 

Through investigative means deputies learned the suspect shot the passenger in the vehicle, additionally, the suspect attacked the driver utilizing the weapon before fleeing the scene in the victim’s vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle suffered non-life-threatening injuries, he was treated and released at the scene.

The victim’s stolen vehicle was quickly recovered nearby by deputies.

“Our deputies are working diligently to find the person responsible for this senseless tragedy,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.  “The safety of this community is our top priority.  Our detectives learned the shooter and victim were recent acquaintances, and while we have determined this is an isolated incident, we will not stop until this suspect is found. We are asking anyone with information on this shooting to reach out to us immediately.”

This investigation remains active, anyone with information is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.

The HCSO Public Affairs Office will release any additional details should it become available.

Original source can be found here.