Tampa, Florida - Police Arrest Ro'Shane S. Harris For Nightclub Shooting At Clock Tower Rental Hall

One Person Injured In Tampa Nightclub Shooting, Suspect Arrested

Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a shooting that happened outside of a Tampa nightclub called the Clock Tower Rental Hall at around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 11. An unnamed victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries after being struck by a bullet. Additionally, bullets smashed windows at the Riverside Seafood restaurant across the street from the nightclub, near 40th Street and E. River Grove Drive.

On Sunday, the Tampa Police Department announced that they arrested 27-year-old Ro'Shane Harris Saturday and charged him with firearm possession and aggravated assault in connection with the shooting. Police said that Harris was also shot during the incident.

Neighbors Call Nightclub A Nuisance

In a report on the shooting by WFLA in Tampa, neighbors said that the Clock Tower Rental Hall is a nuisance and that such incidents of violence are common there. One neighbor said that shootings are a regular occurrence and that she has called the police thousands of times for noise complaints. Some neighbors said they hope that this latest shooting will prompt the city to shut down the nightclub

Property Owner Liability For Violent Crime in Florida

Attorney contributor Michael Haggard adds some thoughts on the legal rights of violent crime victims:

Property owners have a legal obligation to keep their premises safe. For owners of bars, restaurants, and other businesses, keeping their property secure from preventable violence is part of this obligation. In areas with high violent crime, property owners can take preventative measures to reduce the risk of crime - such as checking customers for weapons.

When a property owner fails to provide adequate security and someone gets injured or killed during a violent crime, that property owner could potentially be held liable if the victim (or their family) decides to file a lawsuit. The key is establishing that the owner was aware of a high risk of crime and that he or she was negligent in failing to take measures to prevent crime.

Establishing property owner negligence for violent crime cases is extremely complicated, so crime victims thinking of taking legal action should speak with an experienced crime victim lawyer.