Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Robbery/Homicide Unit
Patrol Operations Bureau
Support Services Bureau
-Crime Scene Investigation Unit

Suspect: Unidentified black male
Vehicle: Red or Maroon Ford Fusion

Cruz O. Garcia (Victim)
DOB: 12/12/1987
Address: 1518 Ewing Avenue, Clearwater

Crystal M. Dixon (Victim’s Girlfriend-Uninjured)
DOB: 12/26/1987
Address: 1518 Ewing Avenue, Clearwater

What:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit are investigating a shooting in Clearwater. The shooting occurred during a confrontation between an unknown suspect and the victim as the victim’s girlfriend ran from the suspect. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Detectives are attempting to identify and arrest the suspect at this time.

When:
Deputies responded to the shooting at about 8:48 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2015.

Where:
The shooting occurred at 710 Smith Street – on the street, just west of the railroad tracks – in unincorporated Clearwater.

Why/How:
According to investigators, the victim identified as 27-year-old Cruz O. Garcia and his girlfriend, 27-year-old Crystal M. Dixon were walking near the listed address.

Detectives say at one point, Cruz observed as Dixon got into the unidentified suspect’s vehicle. Deputies say Garcia followed them on foot for a few blocks.

Detectives say a short time later, Dixon ran towards Garcia as she was being pursued by the unknown suspect. Investigators say Garcia tried to intervene. Detectives say the unknown suspect shot Cruz.

The unknown suspect then drove Garcia and Dixon to Morton Plant Hospital in his vehicle. Detectives say after he assisted Garcia into the emergency room he fled in his vehicle.

The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Dixon was not injured.

Detectives are attempting to identify and arrest the suspect at this time.

The investigation continues.