A routine Monday evening at a 7-Eleven in North Tampa, Florida, turned deadly when an employee fatally shot a customer after a heated argument, according to police.
Officers from the Tampa Police Department arrived at the scene following a disturbance call at approximately 6:14 p.m. on March 31, 2025. The incident took place at the convenience store on the 10000 block of North Nebraska Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found a male customer with a gunshot wound, as noted in police reports.
The injured man was transported to a nearby hospital where medical personnel attempted to treat him, but he later died from his injuries, authorities confirmed.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fatal incident arose from a verbal dispute between the employee and the customer. As tensions escalated, the employee allegedly drew a firearm and shot the customer, according to police statements.
Christopher Rosario, a resident in the area for nearly a decade, expressed his disbelief over the occurrence. “I’ve been living here for eight years now, and this is the first time I’ve seen a crime like this,” Rosario stated. “I don’t know what happened.”
However, Glenn McCall, a business owner near the 7-Eleven, noted that such events have become more common in the neighborhood. “Nothing really surprises you around here anymore,” McCall remarked. “Everybody’s on edge. It is what it is.”
McCall advised caution when navigating certain areas of Tampa, stating, “You just have to watch what you’re doing in certain areas and this is one of them.”
As of Tuesday, authorities have not disclosed the identities or ages of those involved in the shooting. The exact circumstances that led to the escalation remain unclear, and there has been no announcement regarding potential charges against the employee.
Police officials confirmed that the employee is cooperating with investigators as they work to determine the sequence of events leading to the shooting. Law enforcement has assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community during the investigation.
This incident adds to a series of criminal activities in Tampa convenience stores. In an unrelated incident earlier this year, police arrested 30-year-old Alec Holmes for allegedly attempting to rob a man at gunpoint in the parking lot of another 7-Eleven in the city. The victim escaped unharmed and notified authorities, leading to Holmes’ arrest. He faces charges including attempted armed robbery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The North Nebraska Avenue corridor, where Monday’s shooting occurred, has seen periodic criminal activity over the years, leading to ongoing concerns about safety from local business owners and residents.
The 7-Eleven corporation has yet to issue an official statement regarding the shooting or their policies on employee safety and conflict resolution training.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing potential witnesses who may have been present during the altercation.
Individuals with information about the shooting are encouraged to contact the Tampa Police Department as the investigation is ongoing.
The case highlights the challenges of managing customer service interactions and raises questions about security measures in late-night retail establishments throughout the Tampa area.
Police officials have indicated they will provide updates as the investigation progresses and more details become available to the public.
