BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

What appears to be a random shooting in Progress Village has left a family shaken.  One person was hit by gunfire.

Ms. Vanetta Scott said she and her family were at home Wednesday when gunshots erupted in the neighborhood. “It was between 11:30 p.m., and midnight. The shots sounded like they were coming from the street behind me. Then they sounded like they were coming from down the street, like they were chasing someone.”

Ms. Scott said someone called police and deputies arrived at the scene. However, that was not the end of the shooting.

While Ms. Scott was outside, her daughter, son, 78-year-old mother, and a friend had also come outside to see what was going on.

On July 29, 2011, gunfire erupted at a party for teenagers in the Progress Village area. When calm was restored, Ms. Scott learned that her daughter, Iesha Washington, 18, and Craig Thompson, Jr., 21, had both been killed.

Since the death of her daughter, Ms. Scott has been very vocal against gun violence and has attempted to have safe events for teenagers in her area.

The friend, identified as John Jackson said while they were outside they observed a vehicle coming down the street with its headlights off.

“I told them to get inside because it didn’t feel right. Not even two minutes later, they started shooting again. The vehicle came to a complete stop where we were and started firing.

“I have a concealed firearm permit and I started shooting, too. That’s when they drove off,” he said.

Jackson was hit in the side by gunfire. He was treated and released from Tampa General Hospital.

A spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said they have limited information on the shooting. There have been no arrests, but the investigation is continuing.