A Florida couple has been left traumatized and lucky to be alive after they were robbed and attacked by two men who shot at them as they returned home from a successful evening at a casino. The couple were stalked by masked attackers as they headed home in the early hours of the morning on August 2 in Riverview, Florida.
According to official police reports, the couple was ambushed outside of their home at 5 am after winning $3,300 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, located in Tampa, Florida. Speaking to reporters on Friday, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said that the couple were shot as they stood outside of their home and were taken to the hospital for treatment. Both victims are being treated for gunshot wounds, though their conditions were stable and the wounds are not life-threatening. Victim Vel Delacruz is currently unable to walk and is facing a recovery period of six months.
Two men have already been arrested in connection with the shooting. 34-year-old Marcus Jenkins and 36-year-old Tristin Weight were charged with attempted murder, firearm and battery charges, and additional robbery charges. A third suspect remains on the loose.
What Exactly Happened?
Disturbing video footage of the incident quickly went viral online last week, showing the attackers chasing the couple up their front yard and to their front door. While the female victim was able to gain access to the home successfully, the male victim, Vel Delacruz, was left lying on the ground outside of the front door.
You can see the shocking video here.
Kim Chambliss, the female victim, spoke about the horrific ordeal during an interview with WTVR, revealing how she thought her boyfriend had been killed by the assailants.
“I hear another gunshot and my first thought was ‘They’ve killed him,’” Chambliss said. “I was hysterical, I screamed and cried.”
Chambliss also revealed how she never thought something like this would happen to her and her boyfriend because they are two “average people” who were simply out having a good time at the casino.
