Tampa Republic

The Tampa Police Department has released surveillance footage of a shooting involving a reserve officer that occurred on December 28, 2024. The video, sourced from a Hart Trolley, captures the incident from afar.

On the evening of December 28, two reserve officers were conducting traffic enforcement duties on Channelside Drive when they encountered 38-year-old Jaquan James Thomas. According to initial investigations, Thomas allegedly threatened to shoot another officer and reached for his pocket just before being shot.

Thomas was struck three times and transported to the hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating the incident and determining who Thomas directed his threats toward. No firearm has been recovered at this time.

The reserve officers involved are Shelby Riggs-Hopkins and Paul Spike Hopkins, who are married and have previous law enforcement experience. They began serving as Tampa Police Department Reserve Officers in July last year. Reserve officers volunteer their services to assist with emergencies or special events, allowing more full-time officers to focus on patrol duties. Due to budget constraints and limited hours required monthly, these volunteers do not wear body cameras.

Investigators have identified one piece of video evidence capturing the shooting and are seeking additional footage from citizens or businesses in the area to aid their inquiry.

The FDLE continues its active investigation into the matter while the Tampa Police Department will conduct an administrative review.

Chief Lee Bercaw addressed the public regarding the incident earlier today. Further details can be accessed through a live stream starting at 12:15.