Pinellas Park Police continue to investigate a shooting at 4201 80th Avenue N. The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2020.
Upon arrival, officers found that 27 year-old Sean Elsner of St. Petersburg had been shot one time in the lower abdomen. He informed officers that he was shot by girlfriend who was identified as 26 year-old Brooke Otto who resided at the incident location.
Elsner was transported from the scene, as a trauma alert, to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg for treatment.
While at the residence, patrol units were able to locate Brooke Otto and take her into custody without incident.
Detectives responded to the scene to conduct the follow up investigation to try and determine how the shooting took place.
Investigators have determined that Elsner and Otto have been involved in an on and off again relationship for the last 6 months.
Further investigation revealed that last night, Elsner arrived at Otto’s residence where they continued their romantic relationship and upon waking up this morning just before 9:30 a.m. they engaged in a verbal argument inside the residence. Otto was attempting to get Elsner to leave the residence during the argument and had called for a friend to help her have Elsner leave. In the meantime Elsner had called for an Uber to come pick him up, at which time he made his way outside to the front porch of the residence.
During this time, Otto had armed herself with a handgun and was following Elsner outside on to the porch. While outside, the verbal argument continued during which time Elsner slapped Otto in the face, and knocked the phone from her hand.
When Elsner was bent over reaching to pick up her phone, Otto who was still holding the handgun, shot Elsner one time in the lower abdomen.
Alcohol appears to be a factor in Elsner’s actions according to detectives.
As a result of the investigation, Otto was charged with one count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (domestic related).
Elsner has charges pending upon his release from the hospital of, one count of domestic battery, and one count of violation of probation for aggravated stalking. Elsner’s violation of probation charge was not involving his relationship with Otto.
The investigation is still ongoing and no further information is expected to be released.
