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Community Corner

Last Night's Shooting Victim is an Old Seminole Heights Resident

Although the shooting happened in Thonotosassa, both suspect and victim are listed as living less than two miles apart in Old Seminole Heights.

UPDATED AT 11.45 A.M.

A resident of Old Seminole Heights was the victim of a shooting in Thonotosassa last night, a HCSO press release said.

Stuart McKenzie Stephens, 51, was found suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest when officers responded to a 911 call at 9203 113th Ave. in Thonotosassa at about 8.30 p.m. on Oct. 11.

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He was transported to Tampa General Hospital where he is listed in stable condition, the press release said.

The suspect, Lennox Lowery, 53, had fled the scene after the shooting.

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Stephens and Lowery have know each other for 5 years and the motive of the shooting is unknown at this time.

Alerts were placed for the suspect and his vehicle was located by Tampa Police Department at 7508 N. Huntley Ave. in Tampa.

Officers found Lowery hiding under a blue tarp in the yard. After a deputy ordered him to come out from under the tarp, Lowery crawled out armed with a handgun and ignored the several verbal commands to drop the firearm.

He then turned toward HCSO Corporal Anthony Miller, making him fear for his life. At that point, Corporal Miller and Deputy Matthew Laslo discharged their weapons, the press release said.

Lowery, who lives at 7808 N. Huntley Ave., was transported to Tampa General Hospital where he is listed in stable condition.

At this time, it is unknow if the weapon recovered is the same that Lowery used to shoot Stephens.

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