The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is actively conducting an investigation into a recent incident that left a 38-year-old black man hospitalized after being shot by a Tampa Police Reserve Officer. This altercation took place on Channelside Drive last Tuesday evening.
According to the City of Tampa's official statement, two Reserve Officers were engaged in traffic enforcement duties when the shooting occurred. A confrontation allegedly developed after the 38-year-old man threatened to shoot, reaching for his pocket – an action that precipitated the reserve officer, a 46-year-old white female, to discharge her weapon. The individual was struck three times and is currently in critical but stable condition.
The Reserve Officer who fired the shots and her partner, a 58-year-old white male who did not use his weapon, were both experienced in law enforcement prior to their volunteer roles which began in July 2023. Reserve Officers like these assume various duties to support regular patrol operations, but are not equipped with body cameras, complicating the evidentiary process of cases like this one.
As the FDLE leads the way in sifting through the evidence which includes surveillance footage and witness testimonials, both officers have been placed on administrative leave. This is standard procedure in the wake of an officer-involved shooting.
