Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office arrested 50-year-old Richard Zamot Colon of New Port Richey following an incident that occurred on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
According to arrest documentation, Shortly after 8 p.m., Zamot was observed by multiple citizens driving recklessly and discharging a firearm while traveling northbound on the Bayside Bridge. A deputy located the vehicle, a black Dodge Ram truck, at the corner of SR-580 and McMullen Booth Road.
The vehicle was registered to Zamot Colon, who was the sole occupant. Before deputies arrived, he reportedly placed the handgun under the center console beneath the floorboard lining, and three shell casings were located on the front driver’s seat.
The victim stated he was in the lane next to the Zamot Colon when they engaged in a road rage incident. During this incident, he fired three shots from a firearm while on the bridge. Zamot Colon admitted to firing the firearm, claiming he felt threatened. The floorboard liner required removal from the manufacturer’s plastic to locate the 9mm Taurus handgun.
It was determined that Zamot Colon was the truck’s sole occupant and registered owner. Marijuana was discovered in the center console. He showed multiple signs of impairment during field sobriety tests, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol. His breath alcohol concentration (BRAC) was measured at 0.120 and 0.130.
In addition, he was arrested at the scene for being a felon in possession of a firearm. His felon conviction was related to a case out of Jacksonville for burglary of an occupied dwelling.
He is facing the following charges:
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- Discharge a Firearm from a Vehicle
- Tampering with Physical Evidence
- Possession of Marijuana
- Driving Under the Influence