3 Gang Members Arrested In Shooting On Suncoast Parkway Ramp

PASCO COUNTY, FL - Three motorcycle gang members have been arrested in the death of a rival gang leader who was killed Thursday afternoon in a shooting on a Suncoast Parkway exit ramp, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said. The shooting occurred in the area of the Suncoast Parkway and State Road 54.

Nocco said three members of the 69ers motorcycle club were arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

On Thursday afternoon, Nocco said someone called 911 after they heard gunshots in the area. The caller said she saw two motorcycles stopped near a truck at a traffic light on the northbound exit ramp. She heard three pops and the motorcycle riders rode off. When deputies arrived, they found the driver of the truck had been killed. Nocco identified the shooting victim as Paul Anderson, 44. Anderson was the president of the Cross Bayou Chapter of the Outlaws motorcycle club, Nocco said.

Nocco described the incident as a "targeted shooting." He said one of the rival gang members walked up to Anderson's vehicle, tapped on the truck window, then shot him.

The three gang members arrested were identified as Christopher Brian Cosimano, 29, who deputies described as the alleged shooter, Michael Dominick Mencher, 53, whose nickname is “Pumpkin,” and Allan Burt Guinto, 26, who allegedly drove a "scout car" during the shooting. The scout car was used to ensure that the motorcycle riders were able to get away. Mencher was arrested by Tampa police in downtown Tampa on Friday morning.

Nocco said the motorcycle clubs had been feuding and Guinto had been beaten by Outlaws gang members in a bar, the sheriff said.

The sheriff said there could be more gang violence in retaliation for Anderson's death. Gang members from across the country have learned of Anderson's death and may be headed to Florida, Nocco said.

Caption: Photo of one of the suspects involved in the fatal shooting at the intersection of Suncoast Parkway and State Road 54. 2nd image of shooting victim Paul Anderson; 3rd image of Christopher Brian Cosimano; 4th image of Michael Dominick Mencher; and Allan Burt Guinto. Images via Pasco Sheriff.