He pretended to be his girlfriend to lure her love interest, cops say. Shots were fired

Gregory McClellan, 36, is facing an attempted murder charge after luring his girlfriend’s new love interest to an isolated area via text messages and then shot at him, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the arrest warrant released to the Bradenton Herald on Friday, the shooting took place on March 5 in the 7400 block of 16th Street East.

The victim had dated the woman prior to McClellan dating her and had resumed talking with her, which upset McClellan, according to the arrest warrant.

Deputies say McClellan texted the victim claiming to be the woman using a different number, telling the victim her previous number was changed. The conversation went on throughout the day and McClellan convinced the victim to meet at the designated parking lot, according to the warrant.

Deputies say the victim arrived first and then McClellan who jumped out of his vehicle with a handgun and began cursing at the victim as he approached. The victim sped away and McClellan began firing, according to the warrant.

Deputies responded and observed one bullet hole through the back windshield. The bullet went through the driver’s side headrest, missing the victim’s head by inches. Deputies were able to determine at least two shots had been fired at the victim.

An arrest warrant was issued and McClellan was captured on March 11. He was booked into the Manatee County jail for attempted murder and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. He is being held without bond.