Nobody was struck by the bullet.

ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — A former police officer is accused of shooting into a car after a motorcycle crash Monday night in Zephyrhills.

Investigators say a Honda Civic was driving south just after 6 p.m. on Court Street with a motorcycle alongside and a second motorcycle close behind. As the car braked to turn onto C Avenue, the second motorcycle crashed into the back of the Civic, throwing off the rider.

According to the Zephyrhills Police Department, the second motorcyclist then walked up and began to punch the Civic driver before pulling a handgun from his waistband and firing one round that struck a pillar inside the car -- near the driver. That motorcyclist, identified by police as Christopher Shawn Fern, was arrested for attempted homicide and burglary with a battery.

Fern was previously employed as a Zephyrhills police officer for seven months between 2005 and 2006. He was fired for "conduct unbecoming" of a police officer, the department wrote in a statement.

Police said the first motorcyclist, who was thrown off, is "a documented gang member" named Cory Alan Kitzler. Kitzler was arrested for violation of probation, having an expired license, having no motorcycle endorsement and reckless driving.

The Civic driver suffered minor injuries to the face.

An investigation is underway. Anyone with information about what happened should call the Zephyrhills Police Department at 813-780-0050.

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