UPDATE: St. Petersburg Police have made urgent arrests in connection with a shooting that occurred on February 11, 2023, which left an 18-year-old man hospitalized. Charles Hinton, 18, and Christopher Tonsel, 22, face serious charges of attempted first-degree murder and robbery with a deadly weapon following the violent incident.
The shooting unfolded shortly before 5 p.m. at 731 15th St. S, specifically in the parking lot of the Citrus Grove Apartments. Investigators reveal that the victim was in the front passenger seat of a sedan when Hinton and Tonsel entered the back seat. In a shocking turn of events, Hinton brandished a firearm and shot the victim in the back of the neck.
Immediately after the shooting, both suspects fled the scene on foot, taking with them the driver’s backpack. The driver, in a desperate bid for help, drove one block to a convenience store located in the 900 block of 16th Street South. Emergency responders quickly transported the victim to a local hospital, where he is currently reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into this troubling incident, emphasizing the need for community cooperation. Police urge anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in bringing all responsible individuals to justice.
As this situation develops, residents are left shaken by the violence in their neighborhood. Local officials are addressing safety concerns and ensuring measures are in place to prevent similar events from occurring in the future.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
