Chad Chronister

Personal Twitter account for Chad Chronister, Hillsborough County Sheriff

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

CITIBANK CENTER UPDATE: This was a tragic situation where a victim was killed by an individual who was intent on killing as many people as possible. Thanks to the brave actions by the security team on-site and more than 365 deputies, this unhinged suspect was stopped before he could harm anyone else.

UPDATE DETAILS

A homicide investigation is underway following a shooting in Sabal Center, located at 3800 Citibank Center in Tampa earlier today.

At 12:11 p.m., the HCSO 911 Dispatch Center began receiving calls reporting shots fired.

The first marked HCSO unit arrived within one minute, and deputies immediately entered the building.

Inside the building’s cafeteria, a Citibank armed security guard confronted the suspect and shot him.

 At 12:24 p.m., the suspect was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 1:12 p.m. 

One victim was pronounced deceased on scene.

More than 3,200 people were on campus when the shooting occurred. 

A total of 367 HCSO deputies responded, including SWAT, Aviation, Drone, and K9 units, along with deputies and detectives from across the agency. 

Together with local, state, and federal agencies, they secured the area, cleared the buildings within two hours, and ensured the safety of everyone on site.

The Sheriff’s Office is grateful to our partners who responded immediately and worked alongside our deputies. More than 400 law enforcement personnel were on scene as part of this coordinated response.

Anyone with video footage related to this incident is asked to submit it to [email protected]

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

A very rapid response by Your Sheriff’s Office, with more than 365 deputies responding to the Citibank Center.

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

UPDATE: Citibank Center Scene… Confirming one deceased victim.

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

UPDATE: Citibank Center Scene… Families of employees can meet at the reunification site at Staybridge Suites Tampa East at Queen Palm Drive and North Falkenburg Road. (3624 North Falkenburg Road, Tampa, FL, 33619)

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

UPDATE: Citibank Center Scene… The suspect involved is deceased.

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

UPDATE: Citibank Center Scene… Preliminary details, we believe this is a targeted incident, one person is in custody.

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

⚠️ TeamHCSO is currently on scene of an active situation. Please avoid the area of Princess Palm Avenue and Falkenburg Road.

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

A dumpster wasn’t enough to hide from #teamHCSO.

On November 2nd deputies responded to a 911 call on the 8700 block of Springtree Drive in Tampa. Willie Albury, 33, had physically attacked the victim, then threatened a second victim who tried to intervene before leaving the scene.

Aviation and K9 deputies found him by the apartment building. He ran, but Aviation tracked him from above as he jumped into a dumpster to hide. Deputies arrested him.

He now faces charges including: Domestic Battery by Strangulation, Domestic Assault, and Resisting Officer Without Violence.

Domestic violence has no place in Hillsborough County. Need help? Call The Spring of Tampa Bay’s 24/7 hotline: 813-247-SAFE (7233).

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

Behind bars and 41 grams of cocaine off our streets

On October 30th we conducted a traffic stop on a silver Chevrolet Malibu at Coronet Road. Deputies made contact with the driver, Darrion Bettard, 35.

During the investigation, K9 deputies arrived to conduct an open-air sniff of the vehicle, which resulted in a positive alert.

Deputies searched the vehicle and found approximately 41 grams of cocaine, $3,684 in cash, and multiple items of drug paraphernalia.

Bettard was arrested and is facing several charges.

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

A veteran who answered the call to serve needed someone to answer his. Your Sheriff’s Office did!

On October 30th at approximately 5 p.m., deputies responded to the area near Van Dyke Road to search for a veteran who had fled on foot after expressing thoughts of suicide.

Deputies located the man deep inside a wooded swamp, standing in the water. They spoke with him and made sure he knew he was not alone. He was safely brought out and connected with the care he needs.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or call the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay at 211.

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

Halloween is almost here… Whether you’re trick-or-treating, driving, or handing out candy, a few simple steps can keep the night safe and fun for everyone!

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

Suspect in custody after she nearly hits deputies, crashes into a patrol vehicle, flees, and is ultimately stopped by a PIT Maneuver.

On October 27th our Real Time Crime Center alerted deputies to stolen vehicle traveling northbound on N. 15th St. from E. 122nd Ave. Deputies quickly located the vehicle parked in a business complex at 1509 E. Fletcher Ave. With emergency lights activated, deputies attempted to box in the vehicle to apprehend the suspect.

The driver, Jessica Johnson, 37, refused to comply with the command to stop. As she fled, Johnson nearly struck one of the responding deputies and struck a patrol vehicle. Deputies pursued the vehicle and conducted a PIT maneuver near N. 37th St. and Cambridge Woods Dr. Johnson was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody, and is facing several charges… Violation of Probation, Aggravated Assault On Law Enforcement Officer With Deadly Weapon (X2), Criminal Mischief, Resisting Officer With Violence, Driving While License Canceled, Suspended or Revoked, Aggravated Fleeing To Elude, Reckless Driving With Property Damage Or Personal Injury, Leaving The Scene Of A Crash With Property Damage, Grand Theft Motor Vehicle.

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

Spent some time with our Crime Analysis Unit. These dedicated team members work behind the scenes, collecting data, identifying patterns, and delivering the intelligence that guides our strategy and supports our mission. Their work doesn’t always make headlines, but it makes a real difference in keeping our community safe. Thank you for all you do!

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

Operation Scarecrow… Spent time with our Sexual Predator Unit, the Florida Department of Corrections, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement this afternoon to make sure registered sex offenders in Hillsborough County are following the law ahead of Halloween.

Through Operation Scarecrow, detectives are checking in on offenders and making arrests when the rules aren’t being followed.

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

Our annual pumpkin patch sprouted today, and my wife @NikkiDeBartolo and I were delighted to see so many of you there! Pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating, games, ice cream, and so much more. It’s always a joy to connect with the community we serve. Happy fall, everyone!

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

We look forward to seeing everyone at today’s Pumpkin Patch, 10:00am - 1:00pm at our Headquarters, 2008 E 8th Avenue, Tampa, Fl 33605. It’s free and a fun time for all ages, see you soon.

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

This morning, we welcomed community members for an immersive look inside @HCSOSheriff . Guests saw the resources we deploy for storm response, experienced the training evolutions our personnel go through, and stepped into scenarios that show the split-second decisions deputies face in dangerous situations. Thank you to everyone who joined us and took the time to see our work up close.

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

ATTEMPTED MURDER SUSPECT ARRESTED: This was a brutal and relentless attack that left a victim with life-threatening injuries. Our detectives moved quickly to identify the suspect, secure critical evidence, and take him into custody.

On October 20th deputies responded to a stabbing at a residence in the 12000 block of North Central Avenue in Tampa. Upon arrival, they found the victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. He remains stable but in serious condition.

During the investigation, detectives reviewed surveillance footage that captured Yoandry Hernandez Penton, 38, repeatedly stabbing the victim with a knife, striking him in the face, and rummaging through his pockets. After the attack, Hernandez Penton got into the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene at a high rate of speed.

Detectives located the abandoned vehicle in the 6000 block of North Hubert Avenue in Tampa. Additional surveillance footage showed Hernandez Penton leaving the vehicle and walking away from the area.

On October 21, 2026, just before 5 p.m., detectives located Hernandez Penton on foot in the area of the 1000 block of West Hillsborough Avenue where he was arrested on a warrant and is charged with: Attempted Murder in the First Degree With a Weapon, Grand Theft Motor Vehicle and Possession of Cocaine

[Chad Chronister @ChadChronister]

Congratulations and best wishes as a new chapter begins. With more than 23 years of service, Judy Taiclet retires from teamHCSO’s Financial Services Division.