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Deputies searching for group wielding BB gun

Posted at 11:23 PM, Jun 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-21 23:23:41-04
Deputies are searching for a group of men who fired BB guns at four different locations and struck a woman in the arm.
 
Maria Chavez, who lives off Sycamore Lane in Tampa, was shot in the arm on Saturday.
 
She was in her van with both doors open when she saw a van drive past her. She said three shots were fired her way.
 
At first she thought rocks were bouncing off her van. 
 
In Spanish, Chavez described to ABC Action News seeing blood on her arm. She called detectives. According to authorities, the suspects’ car could be a newer model silver minivan. It was spotted driving north on Williams Road near Clay Pit Road. The three suspects were reportedly yelling, laughing and acting as if they were drunk.
 
Hillsborough County sheriff's detectives believe three to four men may be involved in these incidents. They do not know their ages.
 
Thirty minutes before Chavez was shot in the arm, there was a separate incident off U.S. 92 and Garden Lane. Then two days later on Monday, there were two incidents. Those incidents occurred off U.S. 92 and Parsons Avenue plus near the 2100 block of Brandon Blvd. West.
 
Chavez needs to keep part of her arm wrapped up for 10 days. She said the pellet only pierced her skin. 
 
Chavez said it is a miracle she survived the three shots. She believes they were shooting with intent to kill.
 
If you have any information about these cases, call 813-247-8200 or Crime Stoppers at 800-873-TIPS.