Florida Airbnb Host Charged After Guests Threw Party That Ended In Gunshots

An Airbnb host from Tampa, Florida, is facing charges after she rented out her home to guests who threw a party in defiance of local stay at home orders. Police were called to the residence around 1 a.m. on Saturday (April 18) morning after receiving reports of gunfire.

The shooters fled the scene before Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies arrived, but officers learned that a group of juveniles got into an altercation, which resulted in somebody firing shots into the home from a car. Nobody was injured by the gunshots.

Investigators spoke to the homeowner, identified as Natalia Rodriguez Cuervo, 23, who told them she rented out the house for two nights and was unaware of restrictions against large gatherings. She was charged with violating an executive order, a second-degree misdemeanor.

"Alleged ignorance of the law is no excuse for not following it. Our deputies have worked for weeks to educate and encourage the public to follow the emergency orders," Sheriff Chad Chronister told WTVT. "As I've stated continuously, we will continue to enforce the emergency orders, especially when blatant disregard for them puts the lives of others in danger. We must hold those who violate the orders accountably, no matter who they are, so the irresponsibility of the few does not waste the sacrifice of so many."

Authorities said that the shooting remains under investigation.

Photo: Getty Images