Hillsborough County Shooting Suspect Arrested for Killing Passenger in Vehicle
TAMPA, Fla. — A suspect has been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting that left a man dead inside a moving vehicle and caused chaos on a busy Hillsborough County roadway. Authorities say the suspect, Dayjon Clarke, 24, is now facing a first-degree murder charge following the fatal incident that occurred on May 30, 2025.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), deputies responded to reports of a shooting just after 4:15 p.m. near the intersection of Progress Boulevard and South 82nd Street in Tampa. The incident unfolded when the female driver of a vehicle — with a male passenger and a child in the backseat — briefly stopped to speak with Clarke, whom she knew.
During that interaction, detectives say Clarke suddenly opened fire on the vehicle, striking the passenger, later identified as 24-year-old Terrel Ferrell, in the upper body. The woman, in a panic, attempted to flee the scene to seek help and escape further violence. In her attempt to drive away at high speed, she accidentally struck a motorized bicyclist. The bicyclist’s condition has not been disclosed, but authorities have not indicated that their injuries were life-threatening.
Deputies were first alerted when they received a 911 call from a nearby Thorntons convenience store in Riverview, where the driver stopped to seek help. Upon arrival, they found Ferrell suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts, Ferrell succumbed to his injuries on the scene.
Following an extensive investigation, authorities were able to identify Clarke as the suspect. He was arrested several days after the shooting and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail. Officials have not yet released a motive for the shooting, but confirmed that additional charges could be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
Sheriff’s Statement
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister released a statement following the arrest, commending the swift work of investigators:
“This was a violent and reckless act that endangered not only the lives of those in the vehicle, but also innocent people in our community. Thanks to the dedication of our deputies and detectives, we were able to quickly identify and apprehend the suspect. Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones during this tragic time.”
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The shooting has left residents in the surrounding community shaken. The incident, which happened in broad daylight on a busy roadway, has raised concerns about gun violence and public safety.
“This is horrifying,” said one witness who was at a nearby gas station. “It happened so fast. One moment everything was normal, the next there were sirens and people screaming.”
As of now, Clarke remains in custody without bond. Detectives are continuing to gather evidence and speak with witnesses to determine whether any other individuals were involved or targeted. They are also working to ensure the wellbeing of the child who was present during the traumatic incident.
Authorities are asking anyone with additional information related to the case to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477).
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