Early Sunday morning, a driver on a Florida interstate found himself caught in the crossfire of gunfire after documenting what he described as reckless behavior by a group of motorcyclists.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around Interstate 4, west of Interstate 275. “A 34-year-old man from St. Petersburg was driving a Honda CR-V when he noticed several motorcycles operating erratically, accompanied by another unidentified vehicle,” stated a press release.
The driver began recording the scene with his cell phone. The Highway Patrol reported that “as he filmed, one of the motorcyclists, riding alongside the victim’s vehicle, discharged a handgun. Several rounds struck the Honda CR-V, though fortunately, the driver was unharmed.” One round actually pierced the rear gate of the SUV before entering the left rear quarter panel.
Authorities are seeking information to identify the shooter, described as a White male with a medium build and wearing a jacket bearing the insignia of the “Outlaws MC.”
The Outlaws Motorcycle Club (MC) is a well-established presence in southwestern Florida. Court records indicate that the organization was particularly active during the 1980s and 1990s, with a dedicated page listing members convicted of various crimes.
As noted by the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, “Between 1981 and 2003, five significant criminal trials involving the Outlaws Motorcycle Club were conducted in the Tampa Courthouse. All of the indictments alleged violations of federal racketeering laws, and trial evidence included testimony concerning prostitution, drugs, firearms, extortion, and murder.
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During this period, Harry Bowman served as the international leader of the Outlaws MC. He was accused of orchestrating killings, bombings, and intimidation tactics.
Bowman’s activities led to his placement on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list in 1998. He was apprehended in Michigan in 1999 and subsequently convicted of racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder, and numerous other offenses including drug trafficking, firearms violations, extortion, arson, and assault. He is currently serving a life sentence.
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident on Interstate 4 and urges anyone with information to come forward.
