As an off-duty agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives left a Riverview bowling alley with his family Friday night, he spotted a fight in the parking lot.
When he tried to break it up at about 11 p.m., he was shot in his upper body. He was taken to Tampa General Hospital where he is in serious condition, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies.
Deputies and ATF agents arrested the man who investigators say fired at the agent after a seven-hour manhunt. Christopher Smith, 18, was arrested about four miles from The Alley at Southshore at 10221 Big Bend Road in Riverview.
“This suspect’s reckless actions have left the victim seriously injured, and he will now be held accountable for endangering the safety of others. I commend the determination of our detectives, as well as ATF agents, in locating the suspect,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “The victim, a brave individual, was trying to disperse a fight because his sense of duty extends beyond work. Our thoughts remain with him as he recovers from his injuries.”
Smith was charged with first-degree attempted murder with firearm, aggravated battery with great bodily harm and two other lesser offenses. He was being held at the Falkenberg Road Jail.
Deputies said they weren’t releasing the name of the agent out of respect for his family. At the time of the shooting, deputies said, the agent left the bowling alley with his children and wife after having a good time. When he saw the fight, he intervened, a deputy said.
“He saw danger and tried to quell that danger,” the deputy said.