HCSO

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating after reports of shots fired at the Brandon Exchange on Wednesday evening, prompting an immediate response from more than 100 deputies. The 911 Dispatch Center received the first call at 5:16 p.m. Five additional calls came in between 5:17 p.m. and 5:18 p.m., reporting a possible shooter near the Verizon store. More: teamhcso.pulse.ly/xqafn9opfb

Update (7:27 p.m.): The first 911 call came in at 5:16 p.m. regarding a shooting at Brandon Exchange. The first deputies arrived on scene just two minutes later.

Update (6:53 p.m.): Sheriff Chad Chronister is on scene at the Brandon Exchange. Preliminarily there are no shooting victims at this time.

Update (6:44 pm): Brandon Exchange is closed.  HCSO is on scene. The mall is secure. The reunification location is at the Target located on 459 Brandon Town Center Drive.

Update (6:29 p.m.): Media coming to the scene should stage between Cheesecake Factory and Books-A-Million outside Brandon Exchange.

We are on scene of reported shots fired at the Brandon Exchange. To be clear, this is not an active shooter. HCSO will provide more information as it becomes available. We ask the community to avoid the mall while our investigation continues.

Today, Sheriff Chad Chronister joined the Zephyrhills community to celebrate a special Veterans Day milestone, supporting Senator Danny Burgess as he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army. The ceremony also recognized AJ Doerr, who was promoted to the same rank. Congratulations to both men on this well-deserved achievement and their continued dedication to serving our country! Happy Veterans Day to all who have worn the uniform. 🇺🇸

On November 5, 2026, at 11:56 p.m., #teamHCSO deputies conducted a traffic stop near East Fletcher Avenue and USF Palm Drive in Tampa after a vehicle was observed traveling 50 mph in a 35 mph zone with an improper temporary tag. Through the investigation, deputies learned the driver, Sheldon Diaz, 32, had active warrants out of Miami-Dade County in connection with a home invasion, kidnapping and homicide in which suspects impersonated law enforcement officers. During the traffic stop, deputies also discovered a THC resin pen, $10,000 in cash and multiple cell phones inside the vehicle. Diaz was charged with Possession of Cannabis Sativa Resin and is being held on Miami-Dade County warrants, including Attempted Felony Murder and Falsely Impersonating an Officer During a Felony Resulting in Injury or Death.

🚨Warrant Wednesday🚨 Detectives with #teamHCSO are asking for the public's help locating Keenan Dixon, 28. He is wanted for the following charges: ▪Robbery Less than $750 ▪Battery If you have any information on his current whereabouts, detectives ask that you reach out by calling 813-247-8200.

Undersheriff Thomas St. John and Major Robin Anderson joined Hillsborough County’s 62nd Annual Veterans Day Tribute as we honored the brave men and women who have served our country. As we recognize America’s 250th anniversary, we remain grateful to the veterans who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms. Today and every day, we salute you.🇺🇸

To our veterans and military families: This Veterans Day, we want you to know how grateful we are.🇺🇸 Your service, and the sacrifices you made alongside your families, protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. From Sheriff Chad Chronister and the entire Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, thank you.

On November 9, 2026, just before 10:45 p.m., HCSO’s Aviation Unit observed a motorcycle operating at a high rate of speed along East Fletcher Avenue near North 15th Street. The motorcyclist was observed speeding excessively while swerving through traffic and disregarding the safety of others in the area. As deputies moved in, the suspect, Moustafa Hassan, 30, attempted to flee on foot, discarding a backpack over a fence. He was quickly arrested, and deputies recovered the backpack containing individually packaged marijuana. Hassan was arrested and is charged with Reckless Driving, Possession of Controlled Substance With Intent to Sell or Deliver (Schedule I), Tampering With Physical Evidence, and Interstate Compact Agreement.

On November 9, 2026, just before 5:30 p.m., #teamHCSO deputies stopped an unregistered ATV traveling on a public roadway near West Lake Drive and Bishop Road in Wimauma. The driver, Jacob Mountain, 48, did not have a valid driver’s license. A records check revealed that his license had been revoked since 2007 and that he had 10 prior convictions for driving with a suspended license. During a search, deputies located methamphetamine, along with a stun gun. Mountain is a 13-time convicted felon. He was arrested and is charged with multiple felonies.

Our #teamHCSO Dive Team hosted seven Florida agencies for sonar training using the Arc Explorer by Marine Sonic. This technology helps locate underwater objects regardless of visibility, reducing search times and increasing diver safety.

A man wanted by #teamHCSO for attempted murder in a shooting that left a man injured in Tampa has been arrested. On November 5, 2026, just after midnight, #teamHCSO deputies responded to the 4800 block of Claymore Drive after a man was shot in the leg during an altercation in a parking lot. The victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. Through their investigation, detectives identified the suspect as De'Ronte Stephens, 19, and obtained an arrest warrant. On November 9, 2026, Stephens was arrested by the Tampa Police Department on an unrelated warrant. "The diligent work by detectives in this case led to the arrest of a violent offender who is charged with attempted murder," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. The investigation remains ongoing. More: teamhcso.pulse.ly/gamxqnshzk

Today, Sheriff Chad Chronister joined members of HCSO’s Indian Advisory Council and Hillsborough County's Indian community to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. HCSO is proud to celebrate alongside the many members of our community who observe this special occasion. Wishing everyone celebrating a happy and blessed Diwali! ✨🪔

A traffic crash involving downed power lines has closed the intersection of Knights Griffin Road and Gallagher Road in Plant City. The power lines are currently blocking the roadway, and the intersection is expected to remain closed for several more hours. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and seek an alternate route.

As we recognize those who have served our country this Veterans Day, we're highlighting one of our own. 🇺🇸 Master Deputy Donald Coleman dedicated eight years to the U.S. Army and 21 years to #teamHCSO. His commitment to others continues today in our jail’s Veterans Resurgence Program, where he makes a difference in the lives of the veterans in our custody and care. He understands the importance of looking out for those who have served our country and ensuring our veterans receive the care, support, and respect they deserve. For more information, go to teamhcso.pulse.ly/bgm6rtci12

On November 9, 2026, just before 6:45 p.m., #teamHCSO deputies responded to a business on North Dale Mabry Highway after a man scratched two vehicles with a sharp object before confronting the owners with a knife and threatened them. When one of our deputies confronted the suspect, he refused multiple lawful commands to stop and continued walking away. The deputy successfully deployed her Taser. The suspect, John Hartman, 37, was arrested and is charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault With Deadly Weapon, two counts of Criminal Mischief ($1,000 or More), and Resisting Officer Without Violence.

A road rage incident quickly escalated when a driver allegedly pointed a firearm at another driver. On November 8, 2026, #teamHCSO deputies responded to a road rage incident near Town N Country Boulevard and West Hillsborough Avenue. The victim provided deputies with cellphone video showing the suspect, Jose Foradada, 67, pointing a firearm at him while yelling. Through investigative efforts, deputies located Foradada at his home, where they also recovered the Taurus 9mm handgun. Foradada was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault With Deadly Weapon.