A Florida man who shot another man following an altercation over a handicapped parking spot won’t be facing charges due to the state’s Stand Your Ground law.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, Michael Drejka, 47, and Markeis McGlockton, 28, got into a confrontation in a Clearwater parking lot on Thursday.
Police told the news outlet that Drejka confronted McGlockton’s girlfriend after she parked in a handicapped spot, without having a permit. McGlockton then approached the pair, and reportedly “slammed [Drejka] him to the ground.”
While still on the ground, Drejka pulled out a gun and shot McGlockton in the chest, with a weapon he was legally carrying with a concealed carry permit.
McGlockton, whose 4-month-old baby and 3-year-old were in the car in the parking lot, reportedly stumbled into the Circle A Food Store, wounded. His five-year-old son was reportedly inside the store and witnessed his mother applying pressure to his father’s wounds.
He was later pronounced dead.
There is no indication in the news reports about the incident that McGlockton was armed.
At this time, Drejka will not be facing any charges.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri told reporters on Friday that authorities have determined that Drejka is protected by the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law, which provides immunity to someone who used force believing their life is in danger.
The sheriff said that Drejka told deputies that he was in fear of a second attack.
“I’m not saying I agree with it, but I don’t make that call,” Sheriff Gualtieri said.