Texas man arrested on hate crime, gun charges after yelling racial slurs at Tampa bar, firing weapon
A man who fired his weapon outside a South Tampa bar after yelling racial slurs on Monday has been arrested. Just before 9 p.m. on November 21, the Tampa Police Department responded to the SOHO Saloon, located at 410 S Howard Avenue for a call of shots being fired.
An investigation revealed that 30-year-old Dustin McCann was removed from the bar for causing a disturbance by repeatedly using the “N-word” toward a Black security guard. Security escorted McCann from the premises. Shortly after, according to witnesses, McCann entered his vehicle parked across the street in a parking lot, and as he drove away, witnesses reported McCann fired multiple gunshots from his vehicle into the air while yelling “White Power.”
Tampa PD detectives were able to identify McCann and obtain a warrant for his arrest. On Tuesday night, November 22, with the help of the Arcadia Police Department, McCann was located and charged with:
- Aggravated assault with a firearm (4 counts)
- Discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle
All charges will be enhanced with Florida’s Hate Crime Statute 775.085 – Evidencing prejudice while committing an offense.
In 1989, the Florida Legislature passed laws designed to address the issue of hate crimes. Section 775.085, Florida Statutes, was created to increase penalties for convictions of crimes where there was evidence of certain prejudice.
According to ABC 13 News, McCann hails from Texas.
“Racist conduct like this has no place in our community, which is why our Tampa Police Officers worked swiftly to find this suspect in less than 24 hours and bring him to justice,” said Chief Mary O’Connor.
“He will now be held accountable for his criminal actions.”
(Source and Dustin McCann Booking Photo, Tampa PD)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
