Second arrest made in Florida bowling alley shooting that paralyzed off-duty ATF agent

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Florida has made a significant breakthrough in the case of the December shooting of an off-duty federal agent that left him paralyzed. Tia Heyward, 23, has been charged with aiding Christopher Smith, 18, in the shooting of an off-duty Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agent on December 27, 2024. Heyward faces charges of first-degree attempted murder with great bodily harm (accessory after the fact), aggravated battery with great bodily harm (accessory after the fact), and two counts of simple battery.
Christopher Smith, who was arrested shortly after the incident, is facing similar charges including first-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm with a deadly weapon, tampering with physical evidence, and carrying a concealed firearm. The ATF agent, identified as Special Agent Matthew Murray from the bureau’s Tampa Field Division, was shot at The Alley at Southshore in Riverview, Florida, while trying to deescalate a fight between two men and a woman in the parking lot of the bowling alley.
During a pre-trial detention hearing for Smith, Murray’s wife revealed that her husband identified himself as law enforcement and attempted to intervene in the altercation. However, one of the individuals involved allegedly threw an object at Murray, leading to a confrontation where Smith shot him in the back of the neck. Murray was rushed to Tampa General Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition with permanent paralysis.
Smith fled the scene in a Nissan Altima but was apprehended by Hillsborough County deputies at a nearby residence several hours later. He has been in custody since December 28 and was denied bond. Heyward, on the other hand, is being held on a $42,000 bond.
Sheriff Chad Chronister of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office commended the detectives for their diligent work in bringing the suspects to justice. He expressed solidarity with the injured ATF agent and praised his bravery in the face of adversity. The community continues to support the agent as he embarks on his journey to recovery.
The authorities are determined to ensure that all those responsible for the violent incident face the consequences of their actions. The investigation is ongoing, and the Sheriff’s Office is committed to holding the perpetrators accountable for their roles in the senseless act of violence.