Police Seeking Public’s Help In Celebratory Gunfire Case
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is searching for suspects involved in two cases of celebratory gunfire that injured people on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Now a reward of up to $3,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrests of these suspects.
Investigators with the HCSO say the first case of gunfire happened just after 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Terry Wayne Snyder was riding his bicycle near Deerfield Drive when he felt a sharp pain in his leg. He was hit by gunfire. The 55-year-old was taken to Tampa General Hospital where he was treated and released. He told police he thought he heard fireworks going off prior to being shot.
Three hours later, just after midnight, the second incident occurred. Jesus Garcia-Renteria was standing in the front yard of a residence located in the 600 block of 1st St. in Wimauma. He had been watching fireworks with some friends when he was struck in the arm by a bullet. The 22-year-old was also taken to Tampa General Hospital where he was treated and released. None Garcia-Renteria’s friends saw where the bullet came from.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reports there are no suspects in either case at this time.
Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay is offering up to $3,000 for information that leads police to the identification and arrest of the suspect in this case. Anyone with information regarding this case and who wants to be eligible for a cash reward is asked to call Crime Stopper at 1-900-873-TIPS (8477), or report anonymously online at www.crimestopperstb.com or send a mobile tip using the P3 Tips mobile application, which is free for download on iPhones, iPads, and Droids.
Anyone with information is also asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.