CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. — A 20-year-old Clearwater man has been arrested and charged in the fatal shooting that happened in a Clearwater Beach store Tuesday night.
According to Clearwater Police, Johnathan Stanley was taken into custody Wednesday night at Clearwater Mall. He is facing second-degree murder charges.
Rodney Sweeney, 22, died after being rushed to an area hospital Tuesday night with life threatening injuries after the shooting.
According to Clearwater Police, first responders were called to the Surf Style store on South Gulfview Boulevard around 8 p.m. Tuesday. Investigators say the shooting appears to have started as a fight and escalated when gunshots were fired.
What You Need To Know
- Suspect in Clearwater Beach shooting in custody
- The victim has been identified as Rodney Sweeney of Largo
- Sweeney died from his injuries after being transported to an area hospital
Both shoppers and employees were inside of Surf Style at the time of the shooting and a witness said Sweeney was shot in the neck on the second floor of the store.
Surf Style sits on a busy stretch of Clearwater Beach and is open until midnight, according to posted store hours. It is a popular place for tourists visiting the area to stop in for clothing and essentials.