Following an extensive review, our office has concluded that a male victim was justified when he used deadly force against Jared Harrell on December 15, 2021. Unprovoked, Harrell attacked the victim as the victim walked down the street. The victim is licensed to carry a concealed weapon; during the struggle, Harrell tried to take the victim’s handgun and managed to eject the magazine. The victim was able to fire one shot from his gun, which hit and killed Harrell.
In reaching this conclusion, our office conducted an exhaustive review of all available evidence and applicable legal standards. These steps included but were not limited to:
- reviewing interviews of witnesses
- examining physical evidence
- reviewing video evidence
- reviewing photographic evidence
- applying the applicable laws
The Tampa Police Department conducted the investigation. Investigators found that Tampa Police officers responded to a gunshot near the intersection of North Englewood and East Chelsea Streets in East Tampa at 11:15 p.m. on December 15, 2021. Responding officers located Jared Harrell in a nearby driveway with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Harrell later died at Tampa General Hospital.
The victim contacted the Tampa Police Department approximately ten minutes after the shooting and was interviewed by investigators. The victim said he had been walking northbound on Englewood Street when he was approached and attacked by Harrell. A physical altercation ensued. The victim explained that he was armed at the time of this struggle and has a concealed weapons permit. He said he had known Harrell for about five years and considered Harrell a friend. He added that Harrell attacked him without provocation and hit him multiple times in the head and face and forced him to the ground.
The victim said he was in fear for his life when Harrell attempted to take his gun from him and successfully ejected the magazine. The victim said he was able to fire the gun one time toward Harrell from a few feet away.
The victim had cuts and scrapes consistent with his description of events. His account was consistent with that of multiple nearby witnesses. According to family members, Mr. Harrell had recently been using narcotics and acting erratically.
Officers recovered a .45 caliber Glock handgun from the victim. A magazine and ammunition consistent with that firearm were found near where responding officers located Harrell.
After our thorough analysis, we have determined that the facts and evidence support the conclusion that the victim was in fear of imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or others when he employed deadly force against Jared Harrell. These findings satisfy Florida Statute 776.012 and and the use of deadly force by the victim was justified. Accordingly, there is no legal basis for criminal charges against the victim.
An initial release of materials related to this case is available at this link. These items illustrate the crime scene and key details of the case. Further documents related to the case, including additional photos, reports, and interview transcripts, are available to any member of the public subject to Florida’s Public Records Law; find details on making a request on the State Attorney’s Office Public Records page.