ST PETERSBURG, FL — On the evening of Friday, January 23, 2026, a defensive shooting occurred during an attempted armed robbery on 22nd Lane South, according to a press release from the St. Petersburg Police Department.
Shortly after 6:30 p.m., two men were seated in a vehicle when Syltico Morand, 30, and another armed man approached and attempted to rob them. The men in the vehicle were also armed and a confrontation ensued. During the confrontation both suspects were shot by the men in the vehicle.
Morand died at the scene from his injuries. The second suspect, also age 30, was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. Officers responding quickly to the report detained and interviewed the two men who were in the vehicle. At the scene investigators located multiple firearms.
Police stated that all evidence gathered at this point indicates the shooting was an act of self-defense. The two men who fired their weapons have not been charged while detectives continue their follow-up investigation.
In situations like this, where an armed robbery is attempted, those targeted may have only seconds to respond. Based on the initial facts, it appears the two men in the vehicle were forced to defend themselves against an imminent and potentially deadly threat. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of situational awareness and being prepared to act decisively to protect one’s life when no other option exists.