4 Dead, 2 Deputies Hurt In Tampa Shooting

Tampa Tribune ^ | 6-6-08 | Mike Wells

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At least two men and two women are dead, and two Hillsborough County deputies are wounded after a pair of related shootouts in the Carrollwood area, the Hillsborough sheriff's office said today.

Investigators are working two homicide scenes in the area of Linebaugh Avenue and Henderson Road, sheriff's spokesman J.D. Callaway said.

The gunman, Jorge Orlando Bello Garcia, was fatally shot by deputies, according to Callaway.

Neighbors said they knew the man seen leaving the house after the shooting as George and that he had lived at the Elmfield Drive house, though they didn't know his last name. One neighbor said he heard a victim refer to the shooter as George as the shooting unfolded.

Lamantia-Bello was married to Bello, 54.

About 9:25 a.m., neighbors reported hearing shots fired at a residence at the Elmfield address, Callaway said. The three victims were found shot on the enclosed back porch. Caffaro was rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital, where she died, officials said.

Deputies responded to the area and spotted the suspect driving south on Henderson in a red Ford pickup, Callaway said.

Callaway said investigators have not yet determined a motive ...

*snip*

Deputies Shot

The second shooting ensued near Henderson and Linebaugh after the gunman left the home, Callaway said. The suspect used a large caliber semi-automatic handgun.

Two deputies suffered gunshots and other deputies carried them about 200 feet to a nearby fire station, where they were treated by paramedics and firefighters before being rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital. They were rushed to surgery, Callaway said.

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One of the deceased was Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Capt. Chris Artigas, 45, of 949 Cadiz St., officials said. Also killed were Gina Marie Lamantia-Bello, 44, of 11220 Elmfield Drive, and Regina Ann Caffaro, 44, of 2714 Lemon St.

*snip*

When asked whether he knew why Artigas was at the Elmfield home, Nesmith said he didn't know.

"He was off-duty," Nesmith said. "I'm not sure what he was doing at the house. That's something the sheriff's office would be looking into as a part of their investigation."

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Capt. Chris Artigas, 45 ~~ R.I.P.

"The sheriff said the suspect deliberately attacked Wilson (a deputy).

"He was apparently intent on murdering him," Gee said. "He actually got out of his pickup truck and physically attacked him. … The [other] deputy came up and was able to end the assault. It was a life and death struggle."

Photos of shooting scene

[Fox_Mulder77]

"He was just impervious to their shooting," Vennett said. "He was like a crazed animal."

Sheesh. This was violent. My prayers for Capt. Artigas' family, and the families of the other victims of this animal.

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Vicious crimes.

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Sorry for the date error. These incidents took place today: June 7, 2008.

[Deo volente]

The [other] deputy came up and was able to end the assault.


Good!

[d0704r]

I know this family & he was a great father, firefighter & all around nice guy with an amazing voice! I feel for his wife & 3 kids. R.I.P Chris U will be missed!

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Sad. Why do you think he may have been
at the crime scene when he was off duty?