A bicyclist was shot by a motorist during an incident on 22nd Avenue N at I-275 at about 12:45 PM on Sunday, March 19, 2017.
According to the St. Petersburg Police Department, 34 year-old Bryan Stevens was riding a bicycle and had an argument 59 year-old Vincent Pontone at the Wawa, 2465 22nd Avenue North in St. Petersburg.
Based on preliminary information, after the verbal altercation, Stevens threw coffee at or on Pontone. Stevens then left eastbound on his bicycle. Pontone left Wawa in his car shortly after Stevens was seen leaving.
The two eventually met at the eastbound traffic light at 22nd Avenue North and I-275. There are varying accounts of what occurred at this point, but Stevens did eventually end up in the median on his bicycle and engaged in a verbal confrontation with Pontone.
Pontone alleges that he was in fear after Stevens aggressively approached him at the intersection while awaiting the eastbound traffic light to change. Pontone produced a handgun and fired two shots, striking Stevens in the upper torso twice. Stevens was transported to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Hospital and has been stabilized.
The investigation continues.
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