Second suspect arrested after ATF agent shot outside Riverview bowling alley: HCSO
RIVERVIEW, Fla. - A second suspect was arrested Thursday in a Riverview shooting outside a bowling alley that left an off-duty ATF agent severely injured, according to deputies.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said Tia Heyward, 23, is accused of aiding the shooting suspect, Christopher Smith, after deputies said he shot Matthew Murray, a special agent with ATF's Tampa Field Division, on December 27, 2024.

Booking photo of Tia Heyward. Courtesy: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
What Led to the Shooting?
What we know:
Deputies said they responded just after 11 p.m. on December 27, 2024, after receiving a call about the shooting, which happened at The Alley at Southshore, located at 10221 Big Bend Road in Riverview.
Investigators said that the off-duty ATF agent was with his family at the bowling alley when he tried to deescalate a fight between a group in the parking lot.
Smith is accused of shooting the agent in the neck and leaving in a Nissan Altima. Seven hours later, he was found by Hillsborough County deputies at a nearby home.

Booking photo of Christopher Smith. Courtesy: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
The backstory:
During Smith's pre-trial detention hearing on Jan. 2, Matthew Murray's wife, Courtney Murray, told a judge that she and her husband, their kids, and a few family friends had just finished a fun night at the bowling alley. They were standing near the front door when they saw two males and one female start fighting.
Courtney Murray said during the hearing that her husband, who was off-duty at the time, identified himself as a law enforcement officer to the group, and told them all to go home.
READ: Officials identify off-duty ATF agent shot in Riverview
"He was telling them just to go home. He said, ‘I’m law enforcement. You guys just need to leave,’" Courtney Murray stated.
Investigators testified that Courtney Murray told them a bottle or cup was thrown at her husband. Meanwhile, Smith told investigators that Murray hit him in the shoulder.
"[Smith] stated that he blacked out and shot [Murray] once," HCSO Detective Keaton Bruce testified.
ATF Agent Injured
What we know:
Murray was rushed to Tampa General Hospital after he was shot in the back of the neck during the shooting. The Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association said he underwent emergency surgery.
Courtney Murray added during Smith's court appearance that her husband was in the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital in critical condition with permanent paralysis.
PREVIOUS: ATF agent shot outside bowling alley may be permanently paralyzed, court documents show
Christopher Smith Behind Bars
What we know:
After Smith was charged, he appeared in a Tampa courtroom on Jan. 2 for a hearing about his bond. His defense team did argue that the teen had no prior record before the shooting.
Despite that, the judge did decide to leave him behind bars, denying bond to the 18-year-old. He's charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm.
Tia Heyward's Charges
What we know:
Heyward was arrested Thursday on multiple charges, including:
- Attempted Murder in the First Degree Premeditated Firearm, Great Bodily Harm (Accessory After the Fact)
- Aggravated Battery Great Bodily Harm/Death (Accessory After the Fact)
- Simple Battery x2
What we don't know:
HCSO officials have not said how Heyward aided Smith after the shooting.
What they're saying:
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister released this statement after the second arrest:
"Our detectives have worked tirelessly to ensure that all those responsible for this senseless act of violence are held accountable and face the consequences of their actions. Our prayers remain with the ATF agent as he courageously embarks on his road to recovery. His bravery and selflessness exemplify his dedication to protecting our community."
The Source: The information in this story was released by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and the Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association. It also included previous FOX 13 reporting.
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