Tampa Police Respond to Violent Incidents, Resulting in Officer-Involved Shooting

TAMPA, FL. (January 27, 2025) - - On January 26, 2025, at approximately 8:30 pm, the Tampa Police Department began responding to a series of escalating incidents involving a dangerous suspect.

"Our thoughts are with the families of all those impacted by this tragic series of events," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "This individual, who already had a violent history, displayed a blatant disregard for human life, resulting in this devastating outcome."

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The first call began as a dispute at the Dollar General store, located at Dale Mabry and Interbay Bl. The suspect, a 47-year-old white male, used his white Honda to intentionally block the vehicle of the victim. After a verbal argument, the suspect moved his vehicle, and the victim left.

The suspect then followed the victim to a friend's residence near W. Meadow St and S. MacDill Ave. The suspect struck the victim with his car. The victim's friend fired a gun to stop the suspect. The suspect then fled northbound. The victim suffered minor injuries from being struck by the car. He was treated at the scene by Tampa Fire Rescue.

Then, driving northbound on MacDill Ave. near Interbay Bl., the suspect suddenly veered towards a male pedestrian, striking and seriously injuring him. The victim was taken to the hospital with head injuries. He is listed in critical but stable condition.

Minutes later, a caller reported the suspect intentionally hit an adult male pedestrian in the 5800 block of Interbay Bl. That man, sadly, died as a result of his injuries.

At 10:16 pm, a report came in from West Shore Bl. and Lemon St. that the suspect had intentionally struck an adult male as he was crossing the street. The male who was hit was taken to the hospital to be evaluated. Thankfully, he was alert and conscious at the scene.

Officers attempted to apprehend the suspect following a vehicle pursuit where the suspect entered Interstate 275, going northbound. Officers performed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, and the suspect was repeatedly ordered to exit the car and show his hands.

Officers could see him appearing to reach for something and, in fear for their lives, fired their weapons.

Three Tampa Police Officers were injured. They were all taken to the hospital to be treated for what are, thankfully, non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

All northbound traffic along Interstate 275 as well as all northbound entrance ramps, between West Shore Bl and the Downtown exchange, were closed to allow for the investigation. The roadways will re-open as soon as the investigation allows.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) will lead the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, which is standard procedure for the Tampa Police Department.

The officers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave, which is also standard procedure for any officer-involved shooting.

Names of those involved are not being released to allow time for families to be notified.

Information on the suspect will be released as soon as next of kin notification is completed.