Another arrest has been made in the Florida bowling alley shooting that left an off-duty ATF agent paralyzed: "Unjustified"

A Tampa ATF Special Agent was wounded in the neck while trying to resolve a dispute at a bowling alley.

Another arrest has been made in the Florida bowling alley shooting that left an off-duty ATF agent paralyzed: "Unjustified"
Another arrest has been made in the Florida bowling alley shooting that left an off-duty ATF agent paralyzed: "Unjustified"

This week, a second individual has been charged by Florida authorities for attempted murder in relation to the December shooting of a federal agent, which resulted in the agent being left paralyzed.

On Wednesday, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested Tia Heyward, 23, for allegedly aiding Christopher Smith, 18, in the Dec. 27, 2024, shooting of an off-duty Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agent.

Heyward is accused of first-degree attempted murder with great bodily harm (accessory after the fact), aggravated battery with great bodily harm (accessory after the fact), and two counts of simple battery.

Smith, who was arrested hours later on Dec. 28, is facing charges of first-degree attempted murder, including discharging a firearm causing great bodily harm, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm with a deadly weapon, tampering with physical evidence, and carrying a concealed firearm.

Tia Heyward mugshot
Tia Heyward, 23, is accused of aiding Christopher Smith, 18, after he allegedly shot an off-duty ATF agent in the neck at a Florida bowling alley. (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)

The ATF agent in the news is Special Agent Matthew Murray from the Tampa Field Division of the bureau.

At approximately 11:07 p.m. on Dec. 27, Murray was shot in the parking lot of The Alley at Southshore in Riverview, Florida, while trying to resolve a dispute between two men and a woman.

While standing near the front door, he witnessed a fight break out during a night of bowling with his wife, children, and family friends.

Exterior of The Alley at Southshore
Off-duty ATF agent Matthew Murray was shot in the neck after attempting to deescalate a fight at The Alley at Southshore on Dec. 27. (Google Earth)

During a pre-trial detention hearing for Smith, Murray's wife stated that her husband identified himself as law enforcement and instructed the group to leave their home. One of them is said to have thrown a bottle or cup at Murray, according to his wife. Meanwhile, Smith claimed that Murray struck him in the shoulder.

Smith is then accused of shooting Murray in the back of the neck.

Murray's wife stated that her husband was rushed to Tampa General Hospital for emergency surgery, resulting in critical condition and permanent paralysis.

Smith was found by Hillsborough County deputies at a nearby home seven hours after allegedly fleeing the bowling alley in a Nissan Altima.

Christopher Smith mugshot
Christopher Smith, 18, is charged with attempted murder, among other crimes, in the December shooting of off-duty ATF agent Matthew Murray. (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)

Smith has been incarcerated since December 28th and was denied bail recently, while Heyward is currently in jail on a bond of $42,000.

"Our detectives have diligently worked to bring those responsible for the senseless act of violence to justice and face the consequences of their actions," HCSO Sheriff Chad Chronister stated in a press release. "Our thoughts are with the ATF agent as he bravely begins his journey to recovery. His bravery and selflessness reflect his commitment to safeguarding our community."

by Elizabeth Pritchett

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