Release updated on 10-24-23 at 5:29 p.m.

Update: Suspect in Downtown Shooting Turns Himself In

Deronke Rashad Barron, (DOB 9-14-2003), a suspect in the shots fired downtown earlier this month, turned himself into the Pinellas Jail this afternoon.

At 12:45 a.m., Saturday, October 7th, Barron and a group of men got into a physical altercation on the sidewalk on 3rd Street North near Central Avenue. Shots were fired and three men suffered non-life-threatening injuries to their legs. Also, two men and two women suffered other minor injuries.

Currently, he faces the following charges, but the investigation is ongoing and other charges are pending the outcome of the investigation:

• Carrying a concealed weapon
• Discharging a firearm in public
• Improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon

---

Release updated on 10-23-23 at 2:45 p.m.

Update: Suspect Identified in Downtown Shooting

St. Petersburg Police detectives identified the suspect in the shots fired downtown earlier this month as Deronke Rashad Barron, age 20. He is the suspect in the blue and white jersey in the previously released photos and detectives are actively searching for him.

At 12:45 a.m., Saturday, October 7th, Barron and a group of men got into a physical altercation on the sidewalk on 3rd Street North near Central Avenue. Shots were fired and three men suffered non-life-threatening injuries to their legs. Also, two men and two women suffered other minor injuries.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Deronke Rashad Barron, who wishes to remain anonymous, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Pinellas County. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to an arrest. Please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS or www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org. The Crime Stoppers Flyer is attached.

Flyer

---

Release updated on 10-11-23 at 11:59 a.m.

New Video of Shooting Suspect and Reward Offered for Information

On October 7, 2023, the suspect in the photo fired a gun into a crowd of people during a brawl on 3rd St. N. near Central Avenue, in downtown St. Petersburg. Three people suffered gunshots and four others had minor injuries. The shooting occurred on the sidewalk.

Our "person of interest" released earlier this week is now considered a "suspect". He is described as a black man, 17-20 years old, with short dreads, last seen wearing a blue and white basketball jersey with SIERRA and the number 0 on the front, and JAMES on the back.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect, who wishes to remain anonymous, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Pinellas County. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to an arrest. Please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS or www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org. The Crime Stoppers Flyer is attached. The Crime Stoppers Flyer is attached.

Also, here is a link to video of the suspect for your editing and posting purposes. He is seen walking with several other people. We provided a clean clip, and also clips with red arrows pointing out seven young men that detectives would like to identify and speak to with regard to this investigation.

Video

---

Release updated on 10-07-23 at 8:47 p.m.

Detectives would like the public's help in identifying a person of interest captured in photos at the scene of the shooting in downtown St. Petersburg early this morning. The young man pictured is wearing a blue and white jersey with the word SIERRA and the number 0 on the front. The back of his jersey says JAMES with the number 0. Photos are attached.

Investigators would like to speak to him. If you have any information, please call St. Petersburg Police 727-893-7780 or text SPPD + your tip to TIP411.

---

Release updated on 10-07-23 at 9:03 a.m.

There is an update to those with other injuries. Two men and -two - women sustained other injuries.

---

Release posted on 10-07-23 at 8:45 a.m.

At 12:45 a.m., a group of men got into a physical altercation on the sidewalk on 3rd Street North near Central Avenue.

Shots were fired and three men suffered non- life threatening injuries to their legs.

Two men and three women also suffered other minor injuries.

Police had extra patrols in the area and were able to respond quickly, but the shooter(s) left the scene. Detectives are actively working to identify them.

Anyone with information please call St. Petersburg Police 727-893-7780 or text SPPD+ your tip to TIP411.