The city of St. Petersburg was rocked by a tragic incident on Wednesday, July 23, 2026, when a beloved city employee was fatally shot in what authorities believe was a targeted domestic attack. The suspect, identified as Ladavion King 43, is currently in custody after a tense standoff on Interstate 75 in Lee County.
The victim, Tasha Moses a 47-year-old mother of four, had dedicated 12 years of her life to serving the city as a sanitation worker. Her tragic demise has left the community in mourning and raised questions about workplace safety and domestic violence.
The Fatal Shooting in St. Petersburg
According to the St. Petersburg Police Department the incident unfolded around 12:35 p.m. on Wednesday in the 4100 block of 12th Ave S. Moses was seated inside a front-loader work vehicle when the suspect, known to her, initiated an argument that escalated into violence. King allegedly climbed into the cab of the vehicle and opened fire, fatally wounding Moses.
Following the shooting, King fled the scene, driving south on I-75. The St. Petersburg Police Department confirmed that the shooting was not a random act of violence but a targeted, domestic-related incident.
The I-75 Standoff and Arrest
Several hours later, around 4 p.m.Florida Highway Patrol troopers located King barricaded in a vehicle off I-75 southbound in Lee County. A standoff ensued, during which shots were fired. King was subsequently taken into custody and transported to Gulf Coast Hospital with serious injuries. He remains in the custody of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the officer-involved shooting that occurred during the standoff. However, it remains unclear whether King was hit by law enforcement gunfire or if his injuries were self-inflicted. The total number of shots fired during both incidents has also not been disclosed.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
In the wake of this tragic event, grief counselors were arranged for city employees on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday. Dave KernerFLHSMV Executive Director expressed gratitude for the heroism displayed by state troopers and law enforcement officers, stating, “State troopers and law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect the people of this great state.”
The St. Petersburg Police Department led by Chief Anthony Holloway continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. As the community grapples with this loss, the focus remains on supporting the victim’s family and ensuring the safety of city employees.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
