Arrest made in teen's killing after security guard shot with pellet gun

LAKELAND, Fla. — A 15-year-old boy died early Saturday after he shot an armed security guard with a pellet gun at a Lakeland apartment complex, the Lakeland Police Department said.

Shawn Plain, 19, was charging his cellphone inside a laundry room at the Willow Glen Apartments shortly before 4:45 a.m. when Stephen Brenor, 15, entered the room and shot the security guard with a pellet gun that resembled a handgun, said Lakeland police Sgt. Gary Gross.

Detectives interviewed Javarius Ray'quann King, 16, on Sunday. Detectives said King admitted to his participation in the assault on Plain. King was arrested on second-degree felony murder and aggravated battery.

Plain told investigators he thought he was shot because his face stung. He said he saw several others, some of whom were armed, peer into the laundry room.

Plain drew his gun, causing the group to spill out of the laundry room and into a parking lot, Gross said.

“Plain exited the laundry room with his weapon in hand, and the suspects continued to point their weapon at him as he took cover,” Gross said. “The suspects turned to flee the area, and Plain fired several rounds at that time.”

Gross said Plain wounded Brenor in the back of the leg, causing him to collapse. Plain returned to the laundry room to retrieve his cellphone and call 911.

“When Plain returned to the shot suspect, he asked Plain to call him an ambulance and apologized for shooting at him,” Gross said. “The other suspects fled the area and were not apprehended.”

Brenor, a known gang member, died from his injuries, Gross said.

Plain, who won't be charged, was brought to Lakeland Regional Medical Center to be treated for two pellet gun wounds on his face.

Officials said the investigation is still active.

Cox Media Group