St. Petersburg Police are asking for the public's help in their investigation of gunfire outside an apartment complex on July 26 that left a well-known elderly resident injured when he was caught in the crossfire.
- Joe Rosemond, 80, hit in arm, abdomen
- Injuries considered to be non life-threatening
- Have information? Contact St. Petersburg Police at 727-893-7780
On any other day, 80-year-old Joe Rosemond, or "Mr. Joe," as neighbors know him, would be sitting in a chair outside his St. Petersburg apartment.
"He just sits around and watches the apartment complex,” said neighbor Theodore Brown.
"He’ll speak to people that walk by," said another neighbor, Jisheka Jackson.
But on July 27, crime tape hung from Rosemond's empty chair.
Investigators said Rosemond was hit Wednesday night around 9:30 p.m. when an argument between two men erupted into gunfire across the complex at 1101 Upton Court South.
"What I heard was 8 gun shots," said Brown.
Police said the shooting is still under investigation, but confirmed Rosemond was hit twice, in the arm and abdomen. Investigators were told two men were seen running from the complex around the time of the shooting.
"I see Mr. Joe laying over there and I went over there to help him," said Brown. "He just called the good Lord that’s all he said, Jesus, that’s all."
Some neighbors were concerned about who else could’ve been caught in that crossfire, calling the shooting 'senseless.'
“There’s kids all up and down this street," said Jackson.
Police say Rosemond has had surgery and his injuries are not life-threatening. Neighbors are relieved and ready for him to return to his chair.
If you have any information, contact St. Petersburg Police at 727-893-7780 or text your tip to 'TIP411.'