Sheriff Searching for Career Offender Who Allegedly Shot a Man During An Argument

Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies are searching for a man they believe shot another man during a verbal argument in unincorporated St. Petersburg over the weekend.

Deputies responded to a WaWa gas station just after 2 a.m. in the early hours of Sunday morning for a report of a person suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim, 25-year-old Tyler McVett of St. Petersburg, and the suspected shooter, 29-year-old Tony Thongdeng of St. Petersburg, reportedly argued outside the 4 Play Gentlemen's Lounge at 10387 Gandy Blvd. before Thongdeng shot McVett.

McVett sustained gunshot wounds to his chest and left leg. Someone then reportedly drove McVett to the WaWa. Medical responders were called, who treated McVett at the scene and then transported him to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. He is still alive but in serious condition.

Detectives say that video surveillance showed the altercation that morning outside the club, and also the suspect, Tony Thongdeng, with a black revolver pointed at the victim.

Thongdeng is still at-large. Deputies said they are searching for him and plan to charge him with one count of attempted second-degree murder and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, as well as violating Career Offender Registration.

Thongdeng is described as an Asian male, 5'7" and about 175 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

He is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with any information about the shooting or about Thongdeng's whereabouts is asked to call Detective Creaser with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office at 727-582-6200. Callers can also remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-873-TIPS or online. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward.