A fan attending the June 16 Tampa Bay-Miami game at Tropicana Field was hit in the leg by a stray bullet, which was presumably fired from a mile or two outside the stadium.
The bullet most likely pierced the roof of the Trop and struck Charles Sweatt's right thigh.
Sweatt only felt a mild sting and momentarily thought he'd been hit by a foul ball, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Another fan found the stray bullet that left a small bruise on Sweatt's thigh. The 54-year-old Sweatt is from Parker, Fla., a small town located in the state's panhandle.
Sweatt was struck about 9:00pm ET and, after being examined by paramedics, went back to watching the game, which the Marlins won 4-3.
St. Petersburg police spokesman Bill Proffitt told the Times, "No one really knows where that bullet came from. It was a falling bullet. That's what it looks like."
A shooting occurred on the same night, at roughly the same time, about a mile away at Williams Park. A gunman fired multiple times at another individual, only grazing him. Police declined to speculate on whether one of those errant shots may have gone skyward and descended through the Trop.
It's unlikely that the shot came from within the Trop -- going straight up and falling slowly back into the stands -- since security checks are performed at all gates before fans can enter the stadium, according to Fox Sports.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:07:26 GMT
It's not unusual for a cat to get a hairball, but a 400-pound tiger needed help from veterinary surgeons in Florida when he couldn't hack up a basketball-size hairball by himself.
It's not unusual for a cat to get a hairball, but a 400-pound tiger needed help from veterinary surgeons in Florida when he couldn't hack up a basketball-size hairball by himself.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:29 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:29:45 GMT
A man was fatally shot when a team of FBI agents swarmed an apartment complex near Universal Studios in Orlando. The shooting happened early Wednesday.
A man was fatally shot when a team of FBI agents swarmed an apartment complex near Universal Studios in Orlando. The shooting happened early Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:45 AM EDT2013-05-22 10:45:29 GMT
Survivors of the tornado in Oklahoma are beginning the deliberate process of assessing what's left of their homes and possessions and what comes next.
Survivors of the tornado in Oklahoma are beginning the deliberate process of assessing what's left of their homes and possessions and what comes next. The twister killed at least 24 people, destroyed countless homes and reduced one elementary school almost entirely to rubble, killing seven children inside.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:05 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:05:14 GMT
Experts say that teens aren't just leaving Facebook for just Twitter; they're leaving Facebook for numerous other social media sites as well because for them Facebook just isn't as cool anymore. The study
Experts say that teens aren't just leaving Facebook for just Twitter; they're leaving Facebook for numerous other social media sites as well because for them Facebook just isn't as cool anymore. The study
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:53 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:53:47 GMT
(AP Photo Sue Ogrocki)
Rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes.
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots down to bare red earth and claimed 24 lives, including those of nine children.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:50 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:50:15 GMT
A massive tornado devastated parts of Oklahoma on Monday. It destroyed entire neighborhoods, killing dozens of people. If you would like to help those in need, you can donate to relief organizations.
A massive tornado devastated parts of Oklahoma on Monday. It destroyed entire neighborhoods, killing dozens of people. If you would like to help those in need, you can donate to relief organizations.
Monday, May 20 2013 12:19 PM EDT2013-05-20 16:19:47 GMT
The Supreme Court said Monday it will hear a new case on the intersection of religion and government in a dispute over prayers used to open public meetings.
The Supreme Court said Monday it will hear a new case on the intersection of religion and government in a dispute over prayers used to open public meetings.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:01 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:01:11 GMT
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:08:29 GMT
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:46 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:46:23 GMT
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:44:14 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:15 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:15:21 GMT
An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:00 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:00:29 GMT
An emotional funeral service has been held for a Hofstra University student who was accidentally shot by police.
An emotional funeral service has been held for a Hofstra University student who was accidentally shot by police. Andrea Rebello's family followed the pastor Wednesday as he led her white cloth-draped coffin to the altar at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:55:01 GMT
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
