Search underway for person who shot at three TPD officers in East Tampa, investigators say

TAMPA, Fla. - Investigators are searching for a suspect who shot at three officers with the Tampa Police Department Tuesday evening in East Tampa, the agency said.

The three officers were not injured and didn't fire back at the suspect, according to TPD officials. The officers were all a part of the department's Street Anti-Crime Squad and were conducting proactive patrol in the 3600 block of 54th Street when the shooting happened. 

The officers were in plainclothes and driving an unmarked vehicle on 54th Street while a group was gathered outside a home, officers said. That's when the suspect, shot toward the officers. 

One of the bullets hit the front of the officers' unmarked vehicle, causing minor damage to it, according to TPD. 

"I am grateful the officers involved tonight were not injured as a result of the dangerous actions by this suspect," said Tampa Interim Police Chief Lee Bercaw.

He said detectives are currently working leads and interviewing neighbors to identify and arrest the shooting suspect. 

Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the Tampa Police Department at (813) 231-6130 or Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-8477.