Man Facing Murder Charge After Shooting

NEW PORT RICHEY John Brown was headed to the Chasco Fiesta with friends Saturday when the shooting began.

Max Wesley Horn Jr.

As the group's Jeep turned onto Grand Boulevard from Main Street, Brown heard the sound of gunfire coming from Grand and Nebraska Avenue, in front of Hot Shotz Bar and Grill.

"We just kind of stood there and watched," Brown said.

Within seconds, the crowd outside Hot Shotz "bum-rushed" the shooter, whom police have identified as Max Wesley Horn Jr. of 5514 Oceanic Road in Holiday, and pinned him to the ground. One member of the crowd held Horn's handgun in the air to show he was disarmed, Brown said.

Brown and his friends were among a crowd of witnesses on hand Saturday night when, according to city police, Horn opened fire on an as-yet unidentified 34-year-old man outside Hot Shotz. The man died, and Horn is facing a first-degree murder charge.

New Port Richey police said the incident arose during an argument between Horn and the victim.

New Port Richey police said Horn and the man were arguing near the front door of Hot Shotz Bar and Grill at 6299 Grand Blvd. about 9:30 p.m.

Several hundred people were nearby, police said. At the time of the shooting, a Rock 'n' Roll Tribute Day was going on at Sims Park as part of the Chasco Fiesta. Grand Boulevard borders the downtown park.

Horn pulled a .45-caliber pistol from under his shirt, shot the victim several times in the torso and began to run away, police said.

Several people who saw the shooting chased and held Horn until police arrived, an arrest report states.

After he was cuffed, Horn said "He's been asking for it for a long time. He's been stalking my sister," according to the report.

The victim was pronounced dead at North Bay Hospital. Police have not identified the victim because family members have not been notified.

Horn, 46, is being held in the Pasco County Jail without bail.

While the door to Hot Shotz was unlocked Sunday afternoon, the bar had no customers. Employees of the bar said they expected it to be closed as usual on Sundays.

Some people visiting the downtown festival Sunday hadn't heard of the shooting. Those who had heard of it seemed to take the incident in stride.

"It happened last night. People drink," said Betsy Messier of Holiday as she waited with her family to cross Main Street. "I feel very safe in New Port Richey."