TAMPA, FL (5-minute read) — A Bartow man was arrested after a heated argument over money at the Hard Rock Casino escalated into an attempt on his friend’s life, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Lamar Brooks, 33, and Cameron Brewer began their lengthy argument at the casino, which later continued at an undisclosed strip club in the Tampa area. This altercation intensified when Brooks allegedly tried to purposefully crash Brewer’s car.

According to reports, the conflict between the two men did not end there. They had a physical altercation on the side of Interstate-4 before returning to their neighborhood. The situation took a dire turn when they reached Brewer’s residence. Brewer exited his vehicle to urinate in some bushes, while Brooks retrieved a semi-automatic rifle from an unknown location and entered Brewer’s yard.

Brewer’s mother confronted Brooks, who then fired 2-to-4 rounds into the ground. Brewer ran toward Brooks, who aimed the rifle at Brewer’s chest. Brooks fired 7-to-10 shots at Brewer after Brewer pushed the rifle’s barrel away. Brewer responded by retrieving his own firearms, a .380 cal Beretta and a .45 cal Hi-Point, and scared Brooks off by firing two shots into the ground.

Brooks retreated to his home and initially refused deputies’ orders to come outside. However, he surrendered to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office about an hour later. Brooks faces several charges, including attempted second-degree homicide, tampering with evidence for allegedly hiding the rifle, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, felon in possession of a firearm, discharge of a firearm in a residential area, and resisting an officer without violence.

This incident underscores the importance of responsible firearm ownership and the potential consequences of unresolved conflicts. Ensuring proper conflict resolution and understanding the legal and safety implications of firearm use are critical in preventing such dangerous situations.

Safety Tip: Always store firearms securely and out of reach of unauthorized individuals to prevent misuse and accidents.