A bigger inquiry resulted in the arrest of an eight-time convicted offender in Central Florida.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Gang Unit nabbed an eight-time convicted felon as part of an ongoing investigation into the Young Godz gang in Tampa’s Grant Park neighborhood.
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During the inquiry, detectives identified Lavardis Howard, 29, as the key suspect. Howard was released from the Florida State Prison in October 2025.
Howard was involved in a domestic incident, and officers secured an arrest warrant.
Gang Unit detectives served a search warrant at Howard’s Tampa home. During the search, detectives discovered two firearms, one of which had been reported stolen from Tampa, roughly two pounds of marijuana, numerous boxes of ammo, mushrooms, and marijuana wax.
A second arrest order was issued, and Howard was apprehended at Progress Village.
Howard was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition (x3), possession of drug paraphernalia (x2), possession of cannabis with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver, possession of cannabis (more than 20 grams), possession of cannabis sativa resin, possession of controlled substance with intent to sell or deliver (Schedule I) (x2), and possession of cocaine.
“This arrest is the result of proactive investigative work targeting gang activity in our community,” Sheriff Chad Chronister stated. “We will continue to pursue those who illegally own firearms and distribute drugs in our communities. Our message is clear: if you are involved in gang-related crimes, we will identify you and hold you accountable.”
Local law enforcement reports that this is an ongoing inquiry.
