RUSKIN, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested a juvenile who fired a gun at a minor and tampered with evidence.
On March 30, 2024, at 4:37 p.m., deputies responded to the 900 block of Seminole Sky Drive in Ruskin.
The caller, Cody Shimooka, 15, told deputies that he was helping pack up a neighbor’s home when he located a firearm within a drawer, and it went off when he moved it, striking a 14-year-old victim in the chest, who was transported to a local hospital and later succumbed to his injuries.
Read: Lakeland Man Who Tried To Hide Loaded Gun Into Tampa Airport Bathroom Pleads Guilty
After a thorough investigation, HCSO detectives located evidence contradicting Shimooka’s statements.
Detectives also determined that the suspect tampered with physical evidence at the scene before deputies arrived.
”This type of behavior has no place in our community. Teenagers should be focused on going to school and making friends, but now we have a tragedy that will forever change the lives of all those connected,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “I commend our detectives for their dedication and perseverance in seeking justice for the victim and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time.”
Read: 14-Year-Old Dies After Another Teen Shoots Him In Ruskin
HCSO met with the State Attorney’s Office and approved charging Cody Shimooka with the following charges:
- Manslaughter with a Firearm
- Tampering with Physical Evidence
- Minor in Possession of a Firearm.
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