A 61-year-old Florida man was fatally shot in a road rage incident on Monday, according to local authorities. The man, identified as Steven Powers, was driving with his adult grandson when the incident occurred. The alleged shooter, 26-year-old Kentavious Gholston, has been arrested and charged in connection with the crime.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reported that the incident took place in Riverview, a suburb of Tampa, on the afternoon of October 27. Powers and his grandson were driving on U.S. 301 when Gholston, driving a black Mazda, reportedly cut them off. Powers honked at Gholston, who then allegedly stopped abruptly in the middle of the road.
According to Sheriff Chad Chronister, the situation escalated quickly. Powers attempted to punch Gholston, who then allegedly pushed Powers to the ground. It is believed that Gholston then drew a handgun and shot Powers four times in the back.
Gholston allegedly checked to see if Powers was alive after the initial two shots, then fired two more rounds. Powers’ grandson, who had been in the van, rushed to his grandfather’s aid. Gholston allegedly pointed the gun at the grandson before fleeing the scene.
Gholston reportedly abandoned his vehicle and discarded his gun before turning himself in to police later that day. The weapon has not been recovered, but security footage from a nearby school allegedly shows Gholston throwing it into a retention lake. A debit card dropped at the scene, traced back to Gholston, was also cited as key evidence.
Gholston is currently in custody, held without bond by order of a Hillsborough County judge. In addition to the charges related to the shooting, Gholston is also facing a domestic violence battery charge for an unrelated out-of-county warrant.
Powers’ family and friends have expressed their grief and confusion over the incident. His nephew, Larry Davis, questioned the senselessness of the act, while his brother, Thomas Powers, remembered him as a hardworking and caring individual.
Sheriff Chronister described the incident as an “execution-style murder” and a “reckless act,” condemning Gholston’s “complete disregard” for human life. He emphasized that the tragedy could have been entirely avoided, stating, “Violence is never the answer.”