Man arrested in St. Petersburg bar killing

ST. PETERSBURG — The man authorities say shot and killed a driver outside Stinger Bar on 49th Street S last weekend has been charged with first-degree murder.

Juan Javier Oquendo, 26, refused to speak to detectives after his arrest in Dade City on Thursday, authorities said. A warrant had been issued for Oquendo after the shooting in the early hours of Sunday, April 12.

The investigation revealed that Oquendo had been removed from the bar by a bouncer, police said. They say he began arguing with James Cason, 33, in the parking lot, when he pulled out a handgun.

Oquendo shot and killed Cason, who was driving, in the upper torso, police said.