The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a convicted felon on more than 30 charges after a domestic violence call led detectives to nine firearms and a significant quantity of narcotics.
On September 18, 2026, at 4:31 a.m., deputies responded to a report of shots fired in the 6220 North block of 44th Street in Tampa. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the arrestee, identified as Marcello Hardrick, 45.
Through investigative means, detectives learned that a victim was battered by Hardrick, who then fired multiple shots from a pistol in the front yard of the residence. No persons or property were struck by gunfire.
Detectives responded to the scene, and a search warrant was subsequently obtained for the residence. During the search, detectives recovered nine firearms and a quantity of narcotics, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and prescription medication.
Hardrick is an eleven-time convicted felon.
In connection with the shooting incident, Hardrick was charged with:
- Simple Battery (DV)
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm/Ammunition
- Discharge Firearm in Public or on Residential Property
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
- Use of a Firearm While Intoxicated
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm (x7)
- Felon in Possession of Ammunition (x1)
- Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony (x1)
- Armed Trafficking in Cocaine 28 to 200 Grams (x1)
- Armed Trafficking in Amphetamine 200 Grams or More (x1)
- Armed Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell or Deliver, Schedule II (x12)
- Armed Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell or Deliver, Schedule I (x2)
- Possession of a Drug Without a Prescription (x1)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (x1)
- Own, Lease, or Rent for Purpose of Trafficking, Selling, or Manufacturing a Controlled Substance (x1)
- Possession for Purpose of Trafficking, Selling, or Manufacturing a Controlled Substance (x1)
- Criminal Mischief $1,000 or More (x2)
“A man with eleven prior felony convictions had no business possessing a single firearm, let alone nine, along with a stockpile of narcotics,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our detectives did outstanding work turning a domestic violence call into the dismantling of a threat to our community. We will continue to seek out violent repeat offenders and work to get illegal guns and drugs off our streets.”
This is an active investigation, and any update will come from the Public Affairs Office.
