UPDATE: March 25, 2026
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting that left one man dead in Plant City.
Through investigative efforts, detectives determined the shooting stemmed from an earlier disturbance involving several individuals at a nearby bar.
The individuals later encountered each other again at a gas station, where eventually the situation escalated which led to the shooting at the intersection of Branch Forbes Road and Interstate 4.
On March 23, 2026, investigators determined the suspect, Maico Carbajal, 36, had fled Hillsborough County and was traveling westbound on Interstate 10.
Working with multiple law enforcement agencies across state lines, the suspect was tracked through Alabama and Louisiana into Texas.
With the assistance of the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, Carbajal was located and taken into custody without incident.
“You cannot outrun justice. Our detectives worked tirelessly, crossing state lines and coordinating with our partners to ensure this suspect was taken into custody,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our commitment to protecting this community knows no limits, and we will not stop until those responsible for violence are held accountable.”
Carbajal is currently being held at the Chambers County Jail in Anahuac, Texas, on an ICE detainer and is facing First Degree Premeditated Murder. He is awaiting extradition to Hillsborough County.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting that has left one man dead in Plant City.
On March 22, 2026, at 4:00 a.m., the HCSO 911 Dispatch Center received a call reporting an individual had been shot multiple times.
Deputies responded to the intersection of the westbound I-4 entrance ramp and Branch Forbes Road, where an adult male with upper body trauma was located. The individual was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Detectives are asking anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 813-247-8200.
“Our detectives are working diligently to determine exactly what led to this shooting,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We are asking anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the area to come forward. Even the smallest detail could be critical in helping us bring answers to this case.”
This remains an active investigation. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.
