An investigation was launched Saturday night following an officer-involved shooting in downtown Tampa.
The Tampa Police Department said the shooting happened in the 600 block of Channelside Drive, near Sparkman Wharf.
Reports of a shooting started coming in just after the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Saturday night home game kicked off at 7 p.m. at the nearby Amalie Arena.
Deputy Chief B O said two reserve officers were stationed at an intersection in the area as part of security for the game.
Shortly after the game started, O said the two officers had an “interaction” with a 38-year-old man that led to one of the officers firing her weapon at least three times.
According to investigators, the man is believed to have threatened to shoot another officer and reached for his pocket. He was reportedly hit three times and taken to a local hospital.
As of Sunday, authorities said he was still hospitalized and was in critical but stable condition.
“Obviously it’s going to cause panic for anyone anytime shots are fired, whether they’re going to dinner or going to a game,” O said. “That’s why we have the presence of officers that we do. We work diligently to make sure everybody stays safe, and thankfully our officers were here to handle this encounter”
While the police department did not release her name, authorities said the officer is a 46-year-old woman who has over a decade of law enforcement experience.
Her partner, a 58-year-old man, did not fire any shots. Police added that no officers were injured, and there was no threat to the public.
Both officers have been placed on administrative duties while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates.
Reserve officers are volunteer employees who are trained to provide additional personnel for emergencies or special events. Officials said these volunteer officers do not have body worn cameras.
Investigators have been reviewing surveillance videos in the area and speaking with witnesses.
The police department had several officers stationed downtown Saturday night as people began leaving the Tampa Bay Lighting game.
No other details were immediately available.
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Source: wfla
