The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting in Plant City that occurred around 4 p.m. Monday afternoon.
- Richard Paul Bliss, 49, died at the scene
- Two men injured, transported to Lakeland Regional Hospital
- Shooting arose out of ongoing dispute
Officials said the shooting occurred at Bliss Enterprises, a construction company, located on a tract of land at 3940 Knights Griffin Road that's also home to a private residence, corporate offices and a number of rental housing units. The shooting took place in the company's business office.
According to investigators, sometime before 4 p.m. two men went to the office to speak to business owner Richard Paul Bliss. One of the men was living on the property as a tenant and had an ongoing dispute with Bliss surrounding the tenant being asked to leave the premises several times in the recent past.
Deputies said sometime during the discussion the situation escalated and Bliss shot both men. A relative of the two injured men, who had been waiting outside, heard the shots, reportedly then entered the office and shot Bliss, killing him.
The two people wounded during the incident were transported to Lakeland Regional Hospital. One is reported in critical condition, the other in stable condition. Their identities have not be released.
No charges have been filed against against the man who shot Bliss yet.