This shooting is just the latest in a spree of shootings in Wesley Chapel since June 13. Two other separate instances are believed to involve the sale of prescription drugs, and have yet to result in any arrests. One shooting involved Cesario Acosta III, a convicted felon, who shot Tony Barnes, 20, in the abdomen at the Ashley Pines Community Playground near Smith Rd. and Ashley Pines Pl. Police are still looking for Acosta, who PCSO say should be considered armed and dangerous. Acosta has large tattoos on his neck.
Anyone with information about Acosta or his whereabouts should call PCSO at (727) 844-7711.
The other shooting involved Raymond D. Platt, 41, a man who lives on Eastport Dr. in the Palm Cove community off Overpass Rd. (behind the Wesley Chapel school complex).
According to PCSO spokesperson Kevin Doll, Platt was selling the prescription drug Oxycodone out of his house. On June 27, a masked man broke into Platt’s home at 9:25 p.m. and shot him in the face. Investigators say his wounds were not life-threatening, though he did sustain serious injuries to his cheek, neck and upper chest area. No arrests have been made. PCSO had no comment on any possible leads on the shooter. — Sean Bowes
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