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Deputies: 3 Arrested In Shooting Provoked By Failed Drug Deal

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Published: August 14, 2008

Updated: 08/14/2008 12:43 pm

Holly Ann Courcelle

Michael Lopes

Jason Flores

TAMPA - Henry Chriss' anger over losing $150 in a failed drug deal nearly got him killed, Hillsborough County deputies said.

Three people – including a stripper from Plant City – have now been arrested in connection with Chriss' shooting. All three face charges of first-degree attempted murder.

Deputies arrested the stripper, Holly Ann Courcelle, about 1 p.m. Tuesday.

On Wednesday night, deputies arrested Michael Anthony Lopes, 18, of Tampa and Jason Ray Flores, 21, of Tampa.

The incident began over a dispute involving $150 owed to Chriss, 23, of Lakeland, who is Courcelle's boyfriend, sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter said.

Chriss had fronted $150 to Lopes for the purchase of drugs, and Lopes failed to provide the drugs to him, deputies said. Chriss called Lopes repeatedly, asking for the money.

Lopes made arrangements with Flores and Courcelle to meet Chriss and kill him, deputies said.

Courcelle, 18, called Chriss about 20 times to arrange a meeting, and Chriss went to meet her and another person about 12:34 a.m. July 6 at Sligh Avenue near Harney Road, a criminal arrest affidavit states.

"When the victim showed up at the location in his 1999 Ford Explorer, Flores and Courcelle were in another vehicle," a news release states. "All parties engaged in a short conversation at which time Flores fired between 13-15 shots at the victim's vehicle."

One shot went through Chriss' side, striking his spine. He was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital and released.

Lopes and Flores are in Orient Road Jail today. Their bail had not been set.

Courcelle is also being held without bail in Orient Road Jail.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691.

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