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TAMPA, Fla. — A Tampa police officer was shot Wednesday morning behind a Tampa Police Department building near Busch Gardens. The suspected shooter has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.
It happened shortly before 8:15 a.m. at the Tampa Police Department building on North 30th Street at E Annie Street.
Chief Lee Bercaw said at a news conference that the suspected shooter, a 21-year-old man with minimal criminal history, walked into the TPD building to speak with Officer Jordan Laupert about a complaint.
“They had what appeared to be a cordial conversation in the rear of the building, between the fence in the back,” the chief said.
According to Bercaw, when the conversation was over, Officer Laupert turned around to walk back into the building when he was shot in the leg.
Some officers rushed to his aid while others followed the suspected shooter across 30th Street toward the back of Busch Gardens.
The police chief said officers found the shooter dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head.
Officer Laupert was rushed to the hospital. In an update, Tampa police confirmed that he made it through a successful surgery and is stable.
“He’s in good spirits despite what happened,” Bercaw said.
Officer Laupert is a school resource officer at Hillsborough High School. He was temporarily on patrol duty at the TPD building, as school resource officers are given temporary assignments while school is out over the summer.
Bercaw said Laupert has a wife and a 19-year-old daughter who are understandably concerned but relieved he is ok.
“Officers out here are protecting the community, and in this situation, this officer did a great job and all of my officers did a great job,” the police chief said.
Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez was also at the scene “to provide support for the Tampa Police Department.”
“We’re so grateful that our officer is ok,” Lopez said.
TPD says the scene is secure and there is no threat to the public.
The Busch Gardens employee entrance on Annie Street is blocked off with crime scene tape.
Aerial footage from Sky10 also showed crime scene tape inside the park near the SheiKra roller coaster. However, Busch Gardens confirmed that the park is open to guests.
10 Tampa Bay News crews are live at the scene, bringing you continuous coverage as the investigation unfolds. Watch it live on 10 Tampa Bay+ for your smart TV.
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Tampa Mayor Jane Castor on officer shot
“This shooting is a stark reminder of the dangers our officers face every day. I’m grateful the injured officer is expected to recover and deeply appreciative of the swift response by his fellow officers to render aid.
Violence is never the answer. If you’re struggling, please seek help before a moment of crisis leads to irreversible consequences. There is always someone willing to listen and a better path forward,” Mayor Castor said in a statement.
