"Stand Your Ground" Shooter Arrested in Fla

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL -- Michael Dreika, 48, was charged in the shooting death of 28 -year-old Markeis McGlockton on July 19, 2018 in Clearwater. Below are the updated and original shooting investigation reports.

Shooting Investigation
***UPDATE as of 11:20 a.m. on August 13, 2018***

Consistent with the decision making process established under Florida law in this case, the State Attorney conducted his review and decided to charge Drejka with Manslaughter. An arrest warrant was issued this morning and PCSO detectives arrested Drejka. Drejka is being booked into the Pinellas County Jail and bond has been set at $100,000.

Sheriff Gualtieri said, "I support the State Attorney's decision and will have no further comment as the case continues to work its way through the criminal justice system."

Michael Drejka booking photo.

***End of Update***

***UPDATE as of 5 p.m. on July 20, 2018***

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri held a press conference today and provided the media with the facts surrounding the shooting that killed a man outside a convenience store in unincorporated Clearwater yesterday.

During the press conference, Sheriff Gualtieri outlined the subjective standard set by the Florida Legislature that precluded the Sheriff's Office from making an arrest by Florida State Statute under the "Stand Your Ground" law.

Video of the press conference can be viewed on our YouTube page here: https://youtu.be/MyiMpmZGZEk

The investigation continues.

***End of Update***

***Original News Release***

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Robbery & Homicide Unit

Markeis McGlockton (Deceased)
DOB: 03/28/1990
Address: 2770 Roosevelt Boulevard, Clearwater

Britany Jacobs (Witness- Uninjured)
DOB: 07/02/1993
Address: 2770 Roosevelt Boulevard, Clearwater

Markeis McGlockton (Witness- Uninjured)
DOB: 03/16/13
Address: 2770 Roosevelt Boulevard, Clearwater

Michael Drejka (Shooter)
DOB: 08/05/1970
Address: Clearwater

What:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery & Homicide Unit are investigating a shooting outside a convenience store that fatally injured a man in unincorporated Clearwater.

When:
The shooting occurred at about 3:28 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, 2018.

Where:
The shooting occurred outside the Circle A Food Store located at 1201 Sunset Point Road, in unincorporated Clearwater.

Why/How:
According to detectives, 24-year-old Britany Jacobs was driving her 2016 Chrysler 2000 when she pulled into the Circle A Food Store located at 1201 Sunset Point Road, and parked in a handicapped parking space outside the business.

Jacob’s boyfriend, 28-year-old Markeis McGlockton, and their 5-year-old son Markeis McGlockton Jr., exited Jacob’s vehicle and went into the convenience store.

Detectives say Jacobs was waiting outside in the parking lot when she was approached by 47-year-old Michael Drejka. Drejka and Jacobs got into an argument about Jacobs parking in a handicapped parking space.

A witness saw Drejka and Jacobs arguing before walking into the store. While inside the convenient store, the witness alerted the clerk of the argument occurring in the parking lot.

According to witnesses, McGlockton exited the store and walked over to Drejka who was still arguing with Jacobs in the parking lot. Witnesses say McGlockton forcibly pushed Drejka causing Drejka to fall to the ground.

Witnesses told detectives that Drejka was on the ground when he took out a handgun and fired one single round at McGlockton striking him in the chest.

Witnesses say McGlockton walked back into the convenient store where he collapsed.

Several witnesses called 911 as the incident unfolded.

When deputies arrived, Drejka was cooperative with deputies. Drejka told deputies he placed his firearm in his Toyota 4-Runner prior to their arrival.

Paramedics responded and transported McGlockton to Morton Plant Hospital for life-threatening injuries.

Deputies transported Drejka to the North District Station located at 2496 Bayshore Boulevard in Dunedin, so he could be interviewed by detectives.

Deputies took possession of Drejka’s handgun. Drejka was in possession of a valid Florida concealed weapons license.

Detectives say McGlockton was pronounced deceased at Morton Plant Hospital at about 4:04 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, 2018.

Detectives obtained surveillance video of the shooting from the convenient store and interviewed multiple witnesses who were at the scene.

This is an ongoing investigation pending the applicability to the “Stand Your Ground” law and Drejka’s immunity to arrest.

The investigation continues.

* Editor's note: A criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.