Recently in the Tampa, FL area a young boy named Josiah Pinner was struck dead in the street by an undercover police car. The incident occurred on January 11th and was witnessed by the victims sister. Currently no charges have been brought against the officer in the death of this young boy. Police are also being less than forthcoming with information to the family. The community has planned a rally in protest of police action regarding this event for January 17th. A GoFundMe page has also been made to assist the family with final expenses.
Scene on Florida Avenue where Josiah Pinner was struck by an undercover police vehicle
Justice For Josiah
Community members gather in support of the Pinner family, Tampa FL
After pressure from the community and the organization of a rally in response to the way the situation has been handled thus far, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is now opening an investigation into the fatal accident that claimed the life of Josiah Pinner Friday night.
Eye witness account of the event tells a different story than that being painted by local law enforcement and media. Eye witnesses report that Josiah was on the sidewalk, and another person was walking in the street in lane 4, the police officer swerved onto the sidewalk, striking the boy in front of his family and launched him across all 5 lanes of traffic where he passed immediately.
Josiah's mother was quoted having said "This isn't just my issue, this is a community issue and I will be Josiah's voice". There is only one crosswalk in this neighborhood for roughly 1 mile between "Fletcher" and "Fowler", and likewise Florida Ave. is considered a state highway. I am told the family has been promised more crosswalks and streetlights, and the surveying process for this has begun. We know too that in this neighborhood there are likely many cameras which caught the occurrence as it transpired.
The officer involved, whom has yet to be identified, needs to be held accountable for his actions. We are asking for people to please call HCSO and demand answers, and the release of the officers identity.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Chad Chronister
(813) 247-0600
Call to action flyer for the Tampa rally for Josiah Pinner
What You Can Do
The Family has put up a GoFundMe page to help with final expense for Josiah, please support this in anyway you can. Funeral cost are staggering if you are able to donate your help is more appreciated than you could ever know.
Tampa Rally For Josiah Pinner and Against Police Impunity
Redneck Revolt, Restorative Justice, & Working People Against Police Brutality
A Call To Action for residents of this area to employ nonviolent direct action in an effort to garnish enough attention locally that this occurrence is not lost. The family deserves to know who did this, they deserve justice, and we will need many people lending assistance in as many ways as they can to see to it the perpetrator is held accountable.
Tampa rally against police impunity in response to the death of Josiah Pinner
Sources
Family of Victim & Anonymous Activist on Scene
Thanks to our activist on the ground for these exclusive photos for this article.
Sources & Methodology(2 sources)
- Family of Josiah PinnerInterview
Information and exclusive photos provided directly by the family of Josiah Pinner following the incident on January 11, 2019.
- Anonymous On-Scene
Identity protected per editorial policy
Methodology
Reporting based on eyewitness accounts from the family of the victim and an anonymous activist on the scene. Photos provided by our anonymous activist as well.
Filed Under
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was Josiah Pinner and what happened to him?
- Josiah Pinner was a young boy in the Tampa, Florida area who was struck and killed on January 11, 2019, when an undercover police vehicle swerved onto the sidewalk, hitting him in front of his family and launching him across five lanes of traffic.
- Was the officer charged in Josiah Pinner's death?
- At the time of publication, no charges had been filed against the officer. After community pressure, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office opened an investigation. The officer had not yet been publicly identified.
- What do eyewitnesses say happened the night Josiah was killed?
- Eyewitnesses report that Josiah was on the sidewalk - not in the road - when the undercover officer swerved onto the sidewalk and struck him. This directly contradicts the narrative being presented by local law enforcement and media.
- How can people support the Pinner family and demand justice?
- The family set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses. A community rally against police impunity was organized for January 17, 2019, led by Redneck Revolt, Restorative Justice Coalition, and Working People Against Police Brutality. Community members were also encouraged to call HCSO at (813) 247-0600 to demand the officer's identity be released.