Uriel Pena-Gutierrez
Hispanic male
Age at time: 32
Weapon: beer bottle
Carlos A. Catalan-Flores
Hispanic male
Age at time: 26
Weapon: gun
Case type:
Fight at bar/party
Location:
Other Private Property
Initiator:
Victim
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2011
Location details: Outside of Flash Dancers, 4202 W. Cayuga St. in Tampa, Hillsborough County, on May 21, 2011
What happened: Carlos Catalan-Flores, a bouncer at Flash Dancers strip club, claimed self defense when he fired six shots at Uriel Pena-Guiterrez, who had thrown at least one beer bottle at him. Pena-Guiterrez hurled the bottle after the bouncer forced him and his friends to pour out their beer in the parking lot of the West Tampa club. The bottle missed Catalan-Flores, who had his back toward the wall of the club with the group of men in front of him. The bouncer testified that he carried a baton and pepper spray but felt the gun was the only way to protect himself against the men. Pena-Guiterrez, who was not carrying a gun, recovered from the shooting.
The outcome: Shooter was charged with attempted murder; Judge Ashley B. Moody granted immunity in December 2011. The state is appealing the ruling.
Investigating agency: Tampa Police
Case decision made by: Judge
Trayvon Martin’s death became controversial because circumstances leading up to the shooting cast doubt on who was to blame. The Tampa Bay Times reviewed other “stand your ground” cases for similar circumstances. The Times relied on available information, some of which may not tell the whole story. When the situation was unclear, that was noted.
| Yes | No | Unclear/ disputed |
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|---|---|---|---|
Did the victim initiate the confrontation? |
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Was the victim armed? |
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Was the victim committing a crime that led to the confrontation? |
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Did the defendant pursue the victim? |
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Could the defendant have retreated to avoid the conflict? |
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Was the defendant on his or her property? |
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Did someone witness the attack? |
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Was there physical evidence? |
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Source: Tampa Bay Times, Dec. 18, 2011.
Source: Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court, Hillsborough County, Dec. 16, 2011.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
