Police arrest 15-year-old boy in Tallahassee mass shooting that left 11 injured

The Tallahassee Police Department arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with the Oct. 24 mass shooting that left 11 people injured outside Bragg Stadium after Florida A&M University's homecoming football game.

Anthony Rivers III was arrested Sunday, Oct. 25 in the mass shooting, which was one of the worst in Tallahassee history.

Rivers was arrested on 11 counts of attempted homicide and one count of possession of a firearm by a delinquent, said Alicia Hill, a TPD spokeswoman. The Tallahassee Democrat names minors when they are charged with violent offenses.

"Our investigation indicates that a physical altercation occurred before shots were fired," TPD Police Chief Lawrence Revell said in a hastily arranged Oct. 26 press conference. "At this stage of the investigation, none of the victims appear to have been the intended targets."

Detectives believe the incident stemmed from a dispute between individuals known to one another. While at an earlier press conference hours after the shooting Revell said detective believed there was only a single shooter, he said additional arrests are possible.

At least 12 people were injured, including 11 who were shot. Six of the victims were children, including the youngest victim who is 11, according to TPD Chief Lawrence Revell. A grandmother of one of the victims was also injured in the ensuing panic.

Six of the victims were male and six were female. Six victims remain hospitalized, with one of the victims in critical condition.

“What should have been a weekend of celebration in our community instead became a night of fear and violence for the victims and their families,” Revell said. “While this arrest marks a significant step forward, our work is far from over. We remain committed to holding those responsible accountable and getting answers for every family impacted by this tragedy.”

TPD said its officers and investigators worked "around the clock" to identify the alleged shooter.

"In the moments immediately following the shooting, our officers rushed toward danger to render aid to victims even before the scene was fully secured," Revell said. "I could not be prouder of the men and women of this department."

Police said a "significant influx" of information poured in from the community. Before the arrest, TPD asked the public for any cellphone video or tips from witnesses.

"Tips and digital evidence provided by members of the public have been vital to investigative efforts," he said. "But we are not finished."

The investigation remains open and active.

"This arrest represents progress, but we will not stop working until we fully establish what happened, identify everyone involved and bring the people to justice," he said.

"Twelve people were injured Saturday night, twelve families had to confront something no family should have to face," he continued. "We owe those victims, their families and this community answers."

TPD asks community for help

To aid in this ongoing investigation, TPD has established a dedicated tip hotline (850-891-4610) and activated an evidence submission https://tallahasseepd.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/perrystreetincident and is encouraging members of the public to securely share photos, videos and other information that may assist detectives.

TPD encourages anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist detectives to contact the Perry Street shooting hotline at 850-891-4610 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS.

"We need our community's help. No detail is too small, and no piece of information should go unreported," Revell said earlier. "If you know something, please share it with our detectives. Your information could be the key to holding those responsible accountable."

Check back with Tallahassee.com for more on this story.

Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com or 850-599-2180.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Police arrest 15-year-old boy in Tallahassee mass shooting