An investigation was launched Saturday night following an officer-involved shooting in downtown Tampa. The Tampa Police Department confirmed the incident occurred on the 600 block of Channelside Drive, near Sparkman Wharf.
Reports of the shooting began shortly after the Tampa Bay Lightning’s home game started at 7 p.m. at the nearby Amalie Arena. According to authorities, two reserve officers stationed at an intersection were part of the game’s security detail.
Deputy Chief Brett Owen stated that the officers had an “interaction” with a 38-year-old man, which led one of the officers to fire her weapon at least three times. The man was taken to a hospital, where police reported he was “alert and conscious” as of Saturday night.
“Obviously it’s going to cause panic for anyone anytime shots are fired, whether they’re going to dinner or going to a game,” Owen said. “That’s why we have the presence of officers that we do. We work diligently to ensure everyone’s safety, and thankfully our officers were here to handle this encounter.”
Owen mentioned that investigators are still working to determine the circumstances that led the officer to discharge her weapon. Authorities revealed that the officer involved is a 46-year-old woman with over a decade of law enforcement experience.
Police clarified that no officers were injured during the incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The second officer involved did not fire any shots. Both officers have been placed on administrative duties while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducts a thorough investigation.
The Tampa Police Department had stationed multiple officers downtown as people began leaving the Tampa Bay Lightning game to ensure safety and security.
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