‘Simply doing his job’: Nightclub partier brutally mows down security guard who kicked him out of the place, cops say

A Florida nightclub employee who was carrying out his duties to maintain order and safety was allegedly killed in a deliberate vehicle attack after escorting a disruptive patron out of an after-hours club, according to law enforcement authorities. Investigators say the suspect intentionally drove his vehicle into the security guard just moments after being removed from the establishment, turning a routine ejection into a deadly incident that has shocked the Tampa community.

The incident occurred during the early morning hours of June 8, 2026, at the Vale after-hours nightclub on North Armenia Avenue in Tampa, Florida. Authorities have identified the suspect as 32-year-old Jose Zamora Valdes, who is wanted on charges including murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Police say the victim, a security guard in his mid-30s, later died from injuries sustained in the collision.

Altercation Inside the Nightclub

According to investigators, Zamora Valdes was attending the nightclub at approximately 4:30 a.m. when he became involved in an altercation with a woman he knew. The dispute prompted security personnel to intervene and escort him from the establishment. Police say the removal was part of the staff’s effort to maintain safety and order inside the venue.

As security staff escorted him out, authorities allege that Zamora Valdes pushed the woman involved in the dispute, causing her to stumble into another customer. The incident reportedly led to a brief argument outside the club before the suspect headed toward his vehicle.

Security Guard Finishes Shift Duties

After the disturbance was addressed and the suspect had left the immediate area, the security guard who had participated in removing Zamora Valdes was walking toward his own vehicle. Police say he was accompanied by a friend, a man in his early 40s. At that point, there was no indication that further violence would occur.

Investigators determined that Zamora Valdes had already entered his vehicle and driven north along Armenia Avenue. However, rather than continuing away from the scene, authorities allege he suddenly turned his vehicle toward the victims.

Alleged Deliberate Vehicle Attack

According to Tampa police, Zamora Valdes made a sharp and intentional maneuver with his vehicle, steering directly toward the security guard. Investigators believe the action was deliberate and intended to strike the victim. The vehicle hit both the security guard and his friend.

Emergency responders rushed to assist the victims. The security guard suffered catastrophic injuries and was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to those injuries. His companion sustained comparatively minor injuries and survived the incident.

Suspect Flees the Scene

After the collision, authorities say Zamora Valdes fled the area instead of remaining at the scene or rendering aid. Law enforcement agencies quickly launched an investigation into the fatal crash and began searching for the suspect.

Investigators were able to locate and impound the vehicle believed to have been used in the attack. However, at the time police announced the charges, the suspect remained at large. Multiple agencies became involved in efforts to locate and apprehend him.

Multi-Agency Manhunt Underway

The Tampa Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit joined forces with the U.S. Marshals Task Force to track down Zamora Valdes. Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately.

The murder charge reflects investigators’ belief that the vehicle was intentionally used as a weapon. In addition to the homicide allegation, authorities have also sought charges related to the injuries suffered by the second victim.

Police Chief Condemns the Attack

Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw publicly addressed the tragedy and expressed condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and colleagues. He emphasized that the security guard had been performing his responsibilities when he was targeted.

“Our hearts go out to the family and colleagues of the security guard who lost his life while simply doing his job to keep others safe,” Bercaw said. He further described using a vehicle as a weapon against unsuspecting victims as a cowardly act that has no place in the community.

The chief also stated that detectives, patrol officers, fugitive investigators, and federal partners were working relentlessly to ensure that the suspect would be arrested and held accountable for the incident.

Community Reacts to the Loss

The death of the security guard has highlighted the risks faced by nightclub and venue security personnel who are often tasked with de-escalating conflicts and removing disruptive patrons. In this case, investigators believe the victim became a target solely because he had enforced the nightclub’s rules and attempted to keep other customers safe.

Friends, coworkers, and members of the local community have been left mourning a man who was reportedly carrying out routine security duties when the violence occurred. Authorities continue to seek justice for the victim as the search for the suspect remains active.

Investigation Continues

As of the latest information released by law enforcement, investigators continue gathering evidence related to the fatal incident while pursuing the arrest of Jose Zamora Valdes. Police have not publicly released the identity of the deceased security guard, but officials have confirmed that he was in his mid-30s and died after being struck by the suspect’s vehicle.

The case remains under active investigation, and authorities have indicated that additional details may be released as the manhunt progresses and court proceedings eventually begin.