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Carjacked Auto Found In Georgia

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By Chris Echegaray and Mike Wells of The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 13, 2007

Updated: 12/13/2007 10:01 am

Crime Scene Video

TAMPA - A stolen 1999 Nissan Altima taken last night in Clair-Mel City during a shooting has been found, Hillsborough County sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter says.

The sedan was abandoned behind a convenience store in Tifton, Ga., on U.S. 82, about three miles off Interstate 75.

The shooting victim, a 27-year-old Tampa man, was hospitalized in critical condition.

Investigators say Antonio Middleton knew the shooter, Carter says.

Middleton was with his girlfriend before the shooting and was driving her mother's Altima, deputies said.

At 9:34 p.m., he drove to 78th Street and Rideout Road to pick up someone, officials said. When the Nissan approached Waikiki Road at Ridein Road, the passenger ordered the girlfriend out.

As she walked away, she told authorities, she heard a "pop." Authorities are not releasing the name of the girlfriend because she is a witness. Another person reported seeing the passenger push Middleton out of the car and drive away.

Deputies say Middleton was shot in the upper torso. He was rushed to Tampa General Hospital. Details on his condition were not available this morning.

The shooter is about 6 feet tall and was wearing black clothing and a black hat, authorities said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's office at (813) 247-8200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477.

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