FDLE Investigating Shooting Involving Tampa Police Reserve Officer News Tampa Police TAMPA, FL. (December 29, 2024)- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is[...]

TAMPA, FL. (December 29, 2024)- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating a shooting involving a Tampa Police Reserve Officer.

On December 28, 2024, shortly before 7:00 pm, two Tampa Police Reserve Officers were working traffic enforcement on the 600-block of Channelside Drive when they encountered a 38-year-old black male.

The early investigation found the man threatened to shoot another officer and reached for his pocket immediately before the shooting. The male was hit three times and was taken to the hospital. He remains hospitalized currently in critical but stable condition.

The Reserve Officer who fired her weapon is a 46-year-old white female. Her partner, a 58- year-old white male, did not fire his weapon. Both have prior law enforcement experience before starting as TPD Reserve Officers in July 2023.

Reserve Officers are volunteer employees trained to provide additional personnel for emergencies or special events to allow more officers to remain on patrol duties. These volunteer officers do not have body worn cameras.

Investigators are reviewing surveillance videos in the area and speaking with witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation.

Both officers have been placed on administrative leave from their volunteer duties and the FDLE will take the lead in the investigation, both of which are standard procedure for an officer-involved shooting.