Fatal Shooting At Plant City Birthday Party Leads To Arrest

PLANT CITY, FL — A 48-year-old man has been arrested for his involvement in a fatal shooting Saturday night in Plant City.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, at 5:46 p.m., the communications center received a call from someone at a birthday party on Branch Forbes Road in Plant City where shots had been fired.

Witnesses at the scene said at least 10 people were attending the party when someone began firing shots. One man in his 40s was shot in the chest and pronounced dead at the scene and another person was taken to the hospital with injuries that aren't life-threatening.

"There is never a reason for a joyous occasion to turn violent," said Sheriff Chad Chronister.

On early Sunday morning, Faustino Antunez was arrested by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office after he was involved in a traffic crash and was suspected of driving under the influence. He also provided a false name to deputies.

Detectives linked him to the shooting in Plant City and he was charged with second-degree murder, premeditated attempted first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony with a weapon.

"The quick work of our detectives will ensure this man has to answer for his violence," said Chronister. "The collaboration between team HCSO and MCSO exemplifies the power of shared purpose, combined expertise and a common goal: to make our community safe."