At least four people injured in Tampa Heights shooting near Armature Works

Gunshots rang out near Tampa Armature Works Tuesday afternoon, and police currently have the corner of N Ola Avenue and 7th Avenue shut down with police tape.

TPD did issue a media alert that said that officers responded to reports of a shooting at 4:08 p.m. “This is NOT an active shooter situation,” the release said.

At 4:45 p.m., Jonee' Lewis, Director of Communications & Public Affairs for Tampa Police Department told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that the department was not yet prepared to make a statement beyond that.

A CL staffer said they were on site near the Stones Throw outdoor bar and restaurant when they heard gunshots and fled.

TPD’s release said one victim was reported to be shot in the arm, and an officer at downtown Tampa’s John F. Germany library said the shooting may have been related to an argument.

At Water Works Park, near the site of the shooting, employees were seen leaving Ulele restaurant, which was closing for the day; no one appeared to be hurt at the location.  Employees were also seen leaving the Tampa Armature Works Food hall where doors were locked.

Speaking in a 5:33 p.m. update from Tampa Armature Works, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said he believed there are at least four victims who do not have life-threatening injuries.

ATF and the State Attorney's office are also following up on leads, Bercaw said, adding that TPD has some video evidence. He also requested anyone with video to share it with the cops.

"There is at least one," Bercaw said to a reporter who asked about the number of shooters.

"This is a disturbance that quickly erupted unnecessarily into gunfire, and in a family environment," Bercaw added.

Bercaw also stated that a nearby burning car on Tampa  Street and Palm Avenue is not related to the shooting.

This is a developing post

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