RIVERVIEW, Fla. (WFLA) — An off-duty ATF agent is recovering after he was shot at a Riverview bowling alley late Friday night.
At this time, the ATF is not sharing many details about the special agent’s injuries, in respect to his family. However, court records reveal he underwent surgery and is suffering from paralysis that may be irreversible.
Investigators said the ATF special agent was shot in his neck while he and his family were leaving the Alley at Southshore on Big Bend Road. That’s when he noticed a fight in the parking lot and went over to intervene.
“Even when we are not wearing our uniform, we have a duty to act and this is what this agent did,” said Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. “He saw danger, and he tried to quell that danger and in doing so he suffered a serious injury.”
Court records show the suspect got into a car and drove to a home four miles away. An overnight seven-hour manhunt ended with the arrest of 18-year-old Christopher Smith.
“Sheriff Chronister and Team HCSO have no tolerance for violent behavior, specifically violent crime, specifically in areas that are conducive to family fun in a bowling alley,” Maurer said.
Smith was arrested on multiple felony charges, including attempted first-degree murder. Meanwhile, the special agent, whose identity has not yet been released, was taken to Tampa General Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. Records show he could be facing permanent paralysis.
“Please keep this agent in your prayers,” said Maurer. “He needs all of our prayers right now.”