PLANT CITY, Fla. — A 36-year-old man accused in a fatal shooting in Plant City was arrested in Texas after investigators tracked him across multiple states, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Detectives said 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 the situation escalated and led to gunfire at the intersection of Branch Forbes Road and Interstate 4. One man was killed in the incident.
On March 23, 2026, investigators identified the suspect as Maico Carbajal, who had fled Hillsborough County and was traveling westbound on Interstate 10.
Authorities coordinated with multiple law enforcement agencies across state lines to track Carbajal through Alabama and Louisiana into Texas. With assistance from 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 Hillsborough County 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 being held at the Chambers County Jail in Anahuac, Texas, on an ICE detainer and faces a charge of first-degree premeditated murder. He is awaiting extradition to Hillsborough County.