Florida felon allegedly shot and killed man in pizza shop after drunken encounter, cop said
Jan. 4 2022, Published 11:21 a.m. ET
A woman has been arrested for murder after she allegedly shot and killed a man inside a pizza shop on New Year’s Day, Florida authorities said.
The shooting happened around 1:45 a.m. at Patellini’s Pizza in Sarasota, Florida, according to FOX 13.
Police said video from inside the restaurant showed Latoya Johnson, 37, shooting the victim, FOX 13 reported.
Johnson was sitting with other people at a table against the wall, while the victim and his family were sitting in an outside patio area, according to FOX 13.
Investigators say one of the relatives appeared to be intoxicated as he walked inside and passed Johnson’s table, FOX 13 reported.
The family member got sick and threw up on one of the people sitting with the suspect, according to FOX 13.
The group got up, approached the family member and a fight started, FOX 13 reported.
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Johnson is seen on video holding a black firearm in her right hand as she kicked people on the ground, according to FOX 13.
At the same time, the victim ran towards the fight and attempted to defend his family by hitting Johnson on her head, FOX 13 reported. That’s when Johnson allegedly shot the victim.
The victim was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where he later died, according to FOX 13.
Police said as officers were investigating, they saw Johnson place a firearm in a planter, FOX 13 reported.
Johnson faces charges including murder, tampering with evidence and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. She has several felony convictions in Florida, FOX 13 reported.
In June 2008, Johnson was sentenced to three years in state prison for carrying a concealed weapon, according to FOX 13.
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