A fatal incident in the early hours on West Hillsborough Avenue led to the death of a man, now identified as a suspect in a domestic-related assault. According to the City of Tampa's official website, at around 2:20 am, the Tampa Police responded to an emergency call, where witnesses provided details about the suspect's attempt to flee the scene.
The situation escalated when the suspect, confronted by the police attempted to evade arrest, a community member had tried to intervene before officers arrived however the suspect resisted, he refused to stop upon command and while trying to make an escape on foot, he was struck by an eastbound vehicle on Hillsville Avenue, which failed to stop afterwards, the vehicle that hit the man fled the scene and has yet to be identified. The suspect was pronounced dead at the site of the incident, which now has been labeled an in custody death due to the attempted arrest.
As per the standard operating procedures, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has taken charge of the in custody death investigation. Simultaneously, Tampa Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit is tackling the case to find the hit-and-run driver, an internal review will also be conducted ensuring the involved officer's adherence to departmental policies.
The female victim involved in the initial assault was tended to by the department's Victim’s Advocate; it was stated that "Thankfully her injuries were non-life threatening." Eastbound traffic was disrupted following the investigation with closures between Lois Ave and N. Dale Mabry Highway, but updates regarding reopening will follow as the inquiry progresses, the said authorities.
