Teen Arrested in Brandon Shooting, Bystander Injured

SEFFNER, FL – A teenager faces multiple charges in connection with a shooting that injured an innocent bystander in Brandon on Aug. 12, 2026. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested Key'rion Sincere Austin, 17, on Aug. 13, 2026.

Deputies responded to gunfire at an apartment complex in the 1200 block of Landon Preserve Circle around 9:03 p.m. They found a victim with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the arm. A local hospital treated the victim.

Detectives determined Austin fired shots at a group of individuals. Stray gunfire struck the bystander, who had no involvement in the altercation. Austin is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, attempted second-degree murder with a firearm and great bodily harm, possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony, improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon or firearm, discharge of a firearm in public or on residential property, and minor in possession of a firearm.

Sheriff Chad Chronister said age does not excuse reckless actions. "What matters is that someone innocent got hurt," Chronister said. "This teenager made a choice that could have cost someone their life." Chronister added that detectives worked diligently to identify and arrest the suspect, and that the Sheriff's Office remains committed to holding juvenile offenders accountable.

The investigation continues.