PINELLAS PARK, Fla. – As neighborhoods across Pinellas Park erupted in celebration to ring in 2026, one street became the scene of violence just moments after the clock struck midnight.
According to the Pinellas Park Police Department, 34-year-old Barut Montijo of Tampa has been arrested and charged with Attempted Second-Degree Murder following a roadway shooting that unfolded amidst the noise of New Year’s fireworks.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:01 a.m. on the 7100 block of 63rd Street North. Investigators say 22-year-old Tyler Kozak was on his motorcycle in the roadway when he got into a verbal dispute with a female standing nearby. The argument quickly escalated when Montijo intervened, allegedly attempting to grab Kozak as the motorcyclist tried to maneuver away…