Suspect shot while trying to enter nearby home

A 33-year-old New Port Richey man was arrested Sunday night on burglary and battery charges after he allegedly punched a man several times outside a bar in Holiday, according to the Sheriff's Office. The suspect, Stephen Blackwood, then ran away and tried to break into a home about a block away, where he was shot in the shoulder by a resident, authorities said.

The eventful evening began at King's Seat Bar and Grill at 3434 Grand Blvd. in Holiday, where Blackwood got into an argument with another patron. Blackwood then followed the man into the parking lot, reached into the open driver side window of the man's car and hit him in the face several times, the Sheriff's Office said. Blackwood also hit the man's side mirror, causing $300 in damage. The man in the car, fearing for his safety, grabbed a firearm and ran away, deputies said.

Blackwood then ran about a block to a residence in the 3400 block of Woodcock Drive, where he tore through the back patio screen, then tried to enter the home through a sliding glass door, authorities said. A woman who lived there heard Blackwood and called the Sheriff's Office while her boyfriend grabbed a gun and confronted Blackwood on the patio.

The man opened the sliding door and told Blackwood to "get back," deputies said. Blackwood then lunged toward the man and entered the house. That's when the man fired one shot, which hit Blackwood in the right shoulder, an arrest report said.

Blackwood was arrested at about 8 p.m. and taken to a local hospital to be treated for injuries. His bail was set at $10,000.

Read the complete article: FL | TampaBay.com