Police said they found the man in Clearwater.

TARPON SPRINGS – Police said they have arrested the man they believe killed another during an argument early Saturday (Aug. 27) at the Sunbay Motel.

Fredrick Alvin Bentley, 39, who was living at the Sunbay, 57 W Tarpon Ave., has been charged with murder. Tarpon Springs police said Bentley has prior convictions in 2001 for resisting arrest with violence and armed robbery. He was released from the Department of Corrections’ custody in 2003.

Police said they were called to the Sunbay about 4:34 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 27) about a shooting. When officers arrived, they found the victim, Tarenzo Ladarius Smith, 27, in the parking lot. He had been living at the motel. He was pronounced dead by Tarpon Springs Fire Rescue.

Officers said they believe that Bentley, who was living in another room at the motel, and Mr. Smith had an argument. They said Bentley had apparently gone to get a firearm and had shot Mr. Smith, at close range, when he returned with the weapon. Bentley fled on foot, police said. Police searched the area with a K9 but did not find Bentley.

Police said Sunday (Aug. 28) that they found the gun in the motel room. Bentley was found in Clearwater walking in the roadway in the 1000 block of Magnolia Drive, officers said.

For information about the Tarpon Springs police, go to tspd.us.

Tarpon Springs Police | Crime | Murder | Arrests| Sunbay Motel | TB Reporter

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