TAMPA, Fla. — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting late Tuesday night.
Police say officers pulled over a white Chevrolet Impala suspected to be involved in a shooting in Grant Park on April 23.
The traffic stop occurred just before midnight at the intersection of N. 34th St. and E. Palifox St.
Officials say the driver, identified as Jonas Joseph, put the car in reverse and hit a police vehicle while trying to flee. He then crashed into a tree, exited the Impala and immediately began shooting at the officers.
The officers, fearing for their own lives, returned fire, shooting and killing the man.
Police say the investigation into the shooting is ongoing and further details will be released when they become available.
The officers who fired at the suspect are now on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. This is standard procedure for any shooting involving a Tampa Police officer.
Those officers are Sgt. Robert Fannin (21 year veteran); Ofc. Alexander Christon (7 year veteran); Ofc. Dukagjin Maxhuni (7 year veteran); Ofc. Nicholas Disparti (6 year veteran); Ofc. Dukagjin Maxhuni (7 year veteran); and, Ofc. Nicholas Disparti (6 year veteran)
