HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla.– The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), in partnership with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, has arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting outside a Tampa bar on New Year’s Day.
The incident occurred at 1:43 a.m. on January 1, 2025, when HCSO deputies responded to a call about a shooting outside the Tally Ho Bar Lounge & Grill at 7402 North 56th Street. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Joseph Reese, 45, with a gunshot wound. Reese was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
READ: Fatal Crash In Tampa Leaves One Dead, Several Injured
After an intensive investigation, detectives arrested Curtis Christopher Williams, 39, in Pinellas Park on January 3, 2025. Williams was apprehended without incident and booked into the Pinellas County Jail.
He faces the following charges:
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- Murder in the First Degree Premeditated Firearm – Great Bodily Harm/Death
“Our detectives worked seamlessly with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office to bring this suspect into custody following a tragic shooting on New Year’s Day,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This arrest highlights the dedication of our deputies and detectives, as well as the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies. We remain steadfast in our commitment to seeking justice for those affected by senseless acts of violence and ensuring the safety and security of our communities.”
Authorities have not released further details about the motive behind the shooting or the events leading up to the incident.
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