TAMPA, FL. (December 30, 2024)– The Tampa Police Department is releasing surveillance video related to a shooting involving a Reserve Officer on December 28th, 2024.
The video was provided from a Hart Trolley and shows the shooting from a distance.
On Saturday, December 28th, shortly before 7:00pm, two Reserve Officers were working Extra Duty on traffic enforcement on the 600-block of Channelside Drive.
The early investigation identified 38-year-old Jaquan James Thomas threatened to shoot another officer and reached for his pocket immediately before the shooting occurred.
Thomas was hit three times and was taken to the hospital. He remains hospitalized currently in critical but stable condition.
FDLE is investigating this incident to include who he made the threats against. At this time, a gun has not been recovered.
Shelby Riggs-Hopkins and Paul Spike Hopkins are the Reserve Officers involved in the incident. They are married volunteer employees with prior law enforcement experience before starting as TPD Reserve Officers in July of last year.
Reserve Officers are volunteer employees trained to provide additional personnel for emergencies or special events to allow more officers to remain on patrol duties.
These volunteer officers do not have body worn cameras due to the high costs of the program and minimum number of hours required to work monthly.
FDLE agents and TPD detectives identified one video that captured the shooting.
Due to the number of people in the area, investigators are asking for citizens and businesses to share any video with FDLE to assist with their investigation.
This remains an active investigation by FDLE.
TPD will also conduct an administrative review.
Chief Lee Bercaw spoke briefly about the incident earlier this evening. To watch the live stream click here and start at 12:15.