In a heartbreaking incident that unfolded early Thursday morning in Mulberry, a 28-year-old woman lost her life following a violent altercation between two men. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim as Mary Dino, who was reportedly in the car of one of the suspects, Jose Coronado, during the incident.
The confrontation occurred on Levins Road, where 35-year-old Joshua Clark and 34-year-old Coronado began arguing, a dispute that quickly escalated. According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, both men were known to be involved in the trade of methamphetamine, a factor that may have contributed to the heated exchange.
Witness accounts indicate that as the argument intensified, Clark appeared to retreat towards his vehicle. This prompted Coronado to access his own car, where he retrieved a firearm. In a tragic turn of events, as Coronado was handling the gun, it discharged accidentally, striking Dino in the chest. Sheriff Judd recounted, “He pulls out of the car with his firearm and starts shooting at Joshua Clark, blaming him for the reason that he shot his girlfriend.”
In the aftermath of the shooting, both men fled the scene, leaving Dino critically injured. Coronado, realizing the gravity of the situation, transported Dino to Ryals Road but then abandoned her on the bed of a nearby truck. He reportedly urged bystanders to take her to the hospital, explaining that he needed to leave due to a warrant for his arrest. This warrant was for failure to appear in court regarding charges of trafficking methamphetamine in Hillsborough County.
Despite immediate assistance, Dino succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter. This tragic event underscores the dangers associated with the illicit drug trade and the violent confrontations that can arise from it. The sheriff’s office is grappling with the broader implications of such incidents, which reflect ongoing issues with drug trafficking in the region.
Authorities conducted an extensive manhunt for Coronado, who was located and arrested after a search spanning approximately 20 miles along Highway 17, just north of Fort Meade. Clark remained at large during this initial phase of the investigation; however, law enforcement confirmed later on Thursday afternoon that he had also been taken into custody around 1:20 p.m.
As of now, Sheriff Judd has indicated that the investigation is still ongoing, with the sheriff’s office promising to provide further updates as more details emerge. The dual arrests highlight the swift action taken by local law enforcement in response to the incident, but they also raise pressing questions about the safety of the community in the face of increasing violence linked to drug activities.
This incident is a somber reminder of the potentially fatal consequences that can arise from disputes exacerbated by substance abuse. The Polk County community is left grappling with the loss of a young life, while law enforcement continues to address the ongoing challenges posed by drug trafficking and violence.
As investigators delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, community leaders are urging residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The impact of this tragic event reverberates beyond the immediate loss, prompting discussions about drug-related violence and the urgent need for effective intervention strategies to prevent such incidents in the future.
In conclusion, the shooting of Mary Dino is a tragic chapter in the ongoing narrative of substance abuse and violence affecting communities across the nation. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to uncovering the full story behind this incident and bringing those responsible to justice.
