One Dead, One Injured In Florida Motel Shooting

"SAINT PETERSBURG, FL — One man is dead and another injured after a shooting at the New Plaza Motel early Tuesday morning.

"At around 4:30 a.m. St. Pete police found the motel night clerk, 47-year-old Jerome Horacek, shot several times in the upper torso. He was taken to Bayfront Medical Center, where he was treated and released.

"Police say Anthony Taylor, a former security officer of the New Plaza Motel, shot at Horacek several times while inside the motel office.

"When officers arrived at the motel, Taylor reportedly ran to the 3500 block of 3rd Avenue North, where he shot himself. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Witnesses say Taylor worked at the motel as a security guard and was staying in one of the rooms, but management fired him about two months ago, because he had gotten into several confrontations with motel patrons.

"Taylor was still allowed to rent a room, but was recently told he was going to be evicted for falling behind on his rent.

"Police are still trying to find out why Taylor shot Horacek, who was not responsible for Taylor's termination as a security guard or his eviction from the motel. Horacek even reportedly had a casual conversation with Taylor an hour or so before the shooting. Robbery is a possible motive."

From wtsp.com...