The shooter, who is the victim’s cousin, has been arrested, Tampa police said.

TAMPA – A man died Saturday (Sept. 10) night after he was shot during a “test” of a “bullet proof” vest, according to the Tampa Police Department.

Joaquin Mendez, 23, was taken to a hospital where he died of his injuries.

Alexandro Garibaldi, 24, of 2204 E Clark St., Mr. Mendez’s cousin, was charged with manslaughter with a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm, police said.

Police said officers were called to 2407 Gordon St. about 10:04 p.m. Officers found Mr. Mendez outside the house with a gunshot wound to the chest. In the house, officers said they found blood and a bullet proof vest.

Garibaldi told officers he heard a gunshot and found the victim outside with a gunshot wound. However, police said a witness described a different scenario. According to the witness, Mr. Mendez sat in a chair, put on a bullet proof vest, and wondered aloud whether it still worked. The defendant took out a handgun, stated, “Let’s see,” and shot at the vest Mr. Mendez was wearing. Police said the vest found in the house had a projectile entrance hole.

For information about the Tampa police, go to tampagov.net.

Tampa Police | Bullet Proof Vest | Crime | Shooting | TB Reporter

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