Tampa Republic

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is conducting an investigation into a shooting involving a Tampa Police Reserve Officer. The incident occurred on December 28, 2024, around 7:00 pm, when two reserve officers were engaged in traffic enforcement on Channelside Drive.

According to the initial findings, the officers encountered a 38-year-old black male who allegedly threatened to shoot another officer and reached for his pocket just before being shot. The man was struck three times and transported to the hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition.

The officer who discharged her weapon is identified as a 46-year-old white female. Her partner, a 58-year-old white male, did not use his weapon during the incident. Both officers have previous law enforcement experience and began serving as Tampa Police Department Reserve Officers in July 2023.

Reserve Officers are volunteers trained to support emergencies or special events, enabling regular officers to continue patrol duties. These volunteers do not wear body cameras.

As part of the investigation, authorities are examining surveillance footage from the area and interviewing witnesses. The FDLE has taken charge of the investigation following standard procedures for shootings involving officers. Both involved officers have been placed on administrative leave from their volunteer roles.