Suspected shooter opens fire after crashing into cars while exiting Selmon Expressway: TPD

Driver arrested in crash, shooting

FOX 13's Aaron Mesmer talked with witnesses who say it is fortunate that nobody was killed.

TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa police arrested a man they say crashed into several vehicles near downtown Tampa on Wednesday morning and then fired shots at a car. 

What we know:

It happened around 8 a.m. near the westbound exit of the Selmon Expressway onto East Kennedy Boulevard. 

Officers responding to reports of a traffic crash involving several vehicles said the driver of a 2010 gray Mazda 3, later identified as Kevin Arriola, was driving erratically along the exit ramp before colliding with multiple vehicles. 

Courtesy: Tampa Police Department.

READ: Progressive auto insurance to give back $1B to Florida policyholders

Police said Arriola, who was armed with a gun, got out of his vehicle and shot toward a 2017 red Chrysler 300.

No serious injuries were reported as a result of the shooting or the crashes. 

Deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office found Arriola near the scene and detained him. 

READ: Florida man arrested after son with autism found naked on I-4 ramp, police say

Tampa police then took custody of him.

What they're saying:

"This was an extremely dangerous and senseless situation that could have easily resulted in tragedy," said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. "We are grateful for our strong partnership with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the actions of the deputies who quickly took the suspect into custody before anyone was seriously hurt." 

Arriola is accused of crashing into several vehicles as he exited the Selmon Expressway, including a car driven by Reggie Gittens.

"Instead of coming in my direction, he walked back and, with the angle of his gun right over the vehicle, pointing down, [he started] shooting," Gittens said. "All you're hearing is just shots going off, like rattling like about, at least 10 shots to the car."

Gittens said he then watched the shooter throw his gun into the road after the victim drove away.

 "He got angry and was just ranting and raving and crazy," adding he's thankful this situation didn't have a worse outcome. "It's a miracle. It's a miracle, and we are happy that she survived it, and we are happy that everyone is safe."

Arriola was charged with first-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, possession of a firearm in commission of a felony, and shooting at/into a vehicle.

Initially, TPD said it was investigating the shooting as a road rage incident, but no longer believe that is the case.