Largo police: Motorcyclist with concealed carry permit shoots 'angry' man

LARGO, Fla. (FOX 13) - A Pinellas County man is in serious condition after being shot three times. Investigators say he was drunk and attacked the man who opened fire.

The confrontation happened on 16th Street NW in Largo just before 10 p.m. Thursday. Police say a 21-year-old man was heading home on his motorcycle when he saw someone on the side of the road, waving his arms and yelling.  

The motorcyclist came back to offer help, but that’s when things turned violent. Investigators say the man on the side of the road, who was said to be in his 40s, was angry and intoxicated and punched the motorcyclist in the face, through his helmet.

According to police, after being knocked over, the motorcyclist started backing up, thinking he may be attacked again. He warned his attacker he had a gun and a license to carry.

Neighbor Shelby Taylor said she heard multiple gunshots.

“I went outside and I heard people screaming, saying like, ‘Call the ambulance,’” Taylor said. “So I called 911. I told them that there’s been shots fired and we needed an ambulance.”

Officials say the motorcyclist fired his gun three times, hitting the man in both arms and the torso.  

“He was bleeding a lot, he wasn’t responding,” said Taylor.

The motorcyclist told investigators the man wouldn’t stop advancing toward him, and he thought the man reached for a weapon before lunging forward. A 6-inch knife was found at the scene.

“He’s a pretty nice guy, there was no need for him to get shot,” Taylor said.

Police did not release the names of the men involved; they are still investigating. So far, no one has been charged.