Judge Denies Bond for Tampa Shooter, Claims to be ‘God’

UPDATE: A judge has denied bond for Kevin Arriola, the 29-year-old suspect accused of firing a gun at a vehicle following a chaotic crash in downtown Tampa. This urgent decision comes after Arriola’s erratic behavior and alarming statements, including claims that he was “god.”

On October 19, 2023, Arriola crashed his Mazda 3 into multiple cars on the Selmon Expressway exit ramp onto East Kennedy Boulevard. Witnesses reported that he began shooting at a red Chrysler 300 immediately after the collision, creating a dangerous scene that could have led to serious injuries. Fortunately, no one was seriously harmed in the incident, according to the Tampa Police Department.

Police Chief Lee Bercaw described the situation as “extremely dangerous and senseless.” When deputies arrived, they found Arriola flailing his arms and yelling statements such as, “I killed her” and “I’m god.” These erratic declarations raised immediate concerns about his mental state.

In a criminal report affidavit, Arriola revealed that he had emptied his gun’s magazine into the Chrysler in an attempt to kill the driver, whom he did not know. The victim, a nurse, stated she was trying to offer assistance when Arriola began shooting. Officers discovered a total of nine gunshot holes in the Chrysler, including in the windshield and hood.

Video footage from a nearby tow vehicle and surveillance cameras from the Hillsborough County Public Schools building captured crucial moments of the incident. Following his arrest, Arriola faced multiple serious charges, including first-degree attempted murder and aggravated battery with a firearm.

On October 19, prosecutors swiftly moved to keep Arriola in custody until his trial. With the defense opting not to contest this motion, Judge J. Logan Murphy ruled that Arriola would remain without bond, with further hearings to be scheduled later.

As of this report, Arriola is still hospitalized. The community remains shaken by this violent episode, highlighting the urgent need for mental health discussions and interventions in similar cases. Stay tuned for more developments as this story unfolds.