The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warrant for the arrest of a young Tampa man. He is wanted in connection with a shooting that took place outside the Snack Attack Food Store, 6824 N. 50th Street, on Sunday afternoon.
According to police, the shooting took place around 3 p.m., Sunday. Rodney Dejontae Speights, Jr., was captured on video walking up to 20-year-old Osh Totter “O. T.” Williams. Williams was outside of the store when Speights, 20, engaged him in conversation.
The video then showed Speights shooting at Williams with what was later determined to be a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Williams was struck several times and died at the scene shortly after the shooting, police said.
After the shooting, Speights fled the scene in a light blue Chevrolet Equinox. Speights was identified as the shooter by witnesses from the surveillance video.
Police said Williams and Speights had been involved in a fight the day before. Prior to the shooting, Speights told a witness that his intent was to fight Williams in retaliation for the fight they had Saturday.
Williams’ family had not selected a funeral home at press time.
Speights is described as 5’6” and weighing 130 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing red pants and a white, long sleeved shirt.
Investigators said anyone helping Speights avoid arrests could also be charged as an accessory to the murder. Anyone with information leading to the whereabouts of Rodney Speights, Jr., is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200. The caller could remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward by calling Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-8477.
Police Investigate Shooting Death Of Tampa Man
The Tampa Police Department is currently investigating the shooting death of a young Tampa man. The shooting took place early Sunday morning.
Benge Bennett
According to police, 29-year-old Benge Carlos Bennett was at Fatso’s Billiards, 1010 E. Busch Blvd., with family and friends. He parked his vehicle behind Jon’s Bridal Shop, 1102 E. Busch Blvd. Shortly after the group left the billiards parlor, an officer on patrol heard gunshots. The shooting took place at 2:45 a.m., behind the business. The officer responded to the area where the gunshots came from and observed patrons fleeing the area.
The officer found Bennett, who had been shot once, lying next to a vehicle. He was shot once and transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Bennett later died from his injuries.
Police said there are no suspects at this time. However, an active investigation is underway. Detectives are asking anyone with information about the shooting to call (813) 231-6130.
