Man Shoots At Homeless Family Sleeping In Their Car, But Refuses To Tell Police Why

A man accused of shooting at a homeless family in a car — including children — is now in cuffs.

Tampa police released announced the arrest of 21-year-old Christopher Stamat Jr.

On Oct. 5, a homeless family of five was shot at while sleeping in their car, police said. Officers responded and started looking for a suspect vehicle.

They found a vehicle that matched the description in Stamat’s garage.

Officers spoke to Stamat and he said he was the only person who drove his car recently, police said. He also admitted to being near the shooting scene.

Officers got a search warrant and found a gun box and shell casings that matched the ones from the scene inside the car, police said.

When he was arrested, Stamat did not provide a motive, police said. But Stamat said he felt people were stalking him and following him in various vehicles. There is no known connection between the suspects and victims.

Stamat was charged with second-degree attempted murder, shooting into a vehicle and four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.