RIVERVIEW, Fla. — A man was charged with murder in connection to a deadly road rage shooting in Riverview that the sheriff described as "tragic and senseless."
It happened around 2:15 p.m. Sunday on U.S. 301 at Bloomingdale Avenue.
Sheriff Chad Chronister said 61-year-old Stephen Powers was driving his work van with his adult grandson in the passenger seat when he saw a black Mazda "driving recklessly."
The driver of the black Mazda, later identified as 26-year-old Kentavious Gholston, reportedly cut off Powers in traffic, leading Powers to honk his car horn. The sheriff said Gholston started "brake checking" Powers before he put his car in park and both drivers got out to confront each other.
While the drivers were arguing, Powers attempted to throw a punch but fell to the ground on his hands and knees, Chronister described.
That's when, according to the sheriff, Gholston pulled out a gun and fired three rounds into Powers' back. After noticing Powers was still alive, Gholston fired two more rounds, the sheriff added.
Gholston then reportedly pointed his gun at Powers' grandson before running a red light and driving off.
Investigators said they were able to track down Gholston using a debit card he dropped at the scene. They also received a "mountain of overwhelming evidence" from the public in the form of cellphone, dashcam and surveillance video.
Gholston turned himself in to the sheriff's office on Monday afternoon. He is charged with:
- 2nd-degree murder with a firearm
- Aggravated assault with a firearm
- Tampering with physical evidence
- Violation of probation for domestic battery by strangulation
State Attorney Suzy Lopez said her office is drafting a motion to hold Gholston without bond until his trial.
“To Mr. Powers’ family, we stand with you. We will be here to get justice for you and for Mr. Powers," Lopez said.
Investigators are still working to track down the gun used in the shooting. It's believed to be in a retention pond in the area.
"[Gholston] ended the life of a 61-year-old grandfather who was in his work van with his grandson," Lopez said. "This tragedy was completely avoidable."