Crime & Public Safety
Domestic violence call leads to arrest, nine firearms and large narcotics seizure in Tampa
On September 18, 2026, deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of shots fired in the 6220 North block of 44th Street in Tampa. At 4:31 a.m. they made contact with a 45-year-old man identified by the agency as Marcello Hardrick. Detectives allege a victim was battered by Hardrick and that he then fired multiple shots from a pistol in the front yard; the agency reports no persons or property were struck by gunfire.
Following the initial contact, detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence. During the search they recovered nine firearms and a quantity of narcotics, which the agency describes as including Methamp, cocaine, and prescription medication. Hardrick is described by the agency as an eleven-time convicted felon.
The Sheriff’s Office charged Hardrick in connection with the shooting and alleged domestic battery with counts including Simple Battery (DV), Felon in Possession of a Firearm/Ammunition, Discharge of a Firearm in Public or on Residential Property, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Use of a Firearm While Intoxicated. After the search warrant, detectives charged him with an additional 33 offenses, including multiple counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Armed Trafficking in Cocaine and Amphetamine, and multiple counts of Armed Possession of contr substance with Intent to Sell or Deliver, among other charges.
Sheriff Chad Chronister is quoted by the agency praising detectives for turning the domestic violence call into a broader investigation and emphasized the department’s focus on removing illegal guns and drugs. The Sheriff's Office describes this as an active investigation; the Public Affairs Office has said any updates will come from them.
All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More Hillsborough County news · Request a correction or case update
All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.