By Carlye Owens
After the tragic shooting in Ybor City on Oct 29 that killed two people and injury over a dozen others, investigators are turning to the public for help. The Tampa Police Department has partnered with the FBI to develop an online portal that allows anyone with information on the shooting to provide an anonymous online tip. The tipster is not required to give their name, contact information, or how they acquired the information about the shooting. This development in the investigation will almost certainly bring up constitutional issues surrounding how law enforcement can respond and how law enforcement will act on any given tip received.
In 2000, the US Supreme Court ruled on an important Florida case that established the legal standard for the “reasonable suspicion” necessary to stop a person based on an anonymous tip. The Supreme Court specifically found that an anonymous tip, standing alone, is not enough to allow police to seize a person or suspect. As the Ybor shooting investigation moves forward, it is important for individuals who are arrested and or detained by law enforcement to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to make sure their rights are protected. With anonymous tips, there is a danger of witnesses misremembering a person’s identity or involvement because of the traumatic high stress situation. At Smith and Eulo we are committed to vigorously defending the rights of our clients from the very start of an investigation, all the way through a case.
If you or a loved one needs the assistance of one of our Criminal Defense Attorneys, don’t hesitate to call us at 352-WIN-4YOU We are available 24/7 and we offer payment plans.