2 Officers Shot At By Suspect At Apartment Complex: Tampa Police

TAMPA, FL — Two officers narrowly escaped injury after being shot at by a suspect Tuesday morning at an apartment complex, according to a Tampa Police Department news release.

A detective with 21 years of service and a corporal with nine years of service responded to the Azula North Apartments, 4939 E. Busch Blvd., for an unrelated robbery just after 10 a.m.

While at the complex, they saw 23-year-old Matthew Fowler trying to break into vehicles and apartments.

Fowler struggled with the officers when they tried to identify him, pulled out a handgun and shot at them, police said. Neither officer was hit in the gunfire, police said.

One officer returned fire, but Fowler was able to run away on foot.

A perimeter was quickly established, and Fowler was apprehended a short time later near N. 50th Street and E. Temple Heights Road. His gun was recovered from a nearby dumpster.

Fowler, a convicted felon, was charged with burglary and two counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.

"Every officer who wears the badge understands the inherent dangers of this profession, yet they selflessly answer the call to protect our community," Chief Lee Bercaw said. "These officers, already engaged in an active investigation, demonstrated their dedication by proactively addressing criminal activity. Their actions, which placed them directly in harm's way, undoubtedly contributed to the safety of our residents. We are incredibly grateful that our officers were not injured, and we are now focused on ensuring justice is served."

The involved officers have been placed on administrative leave, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the officer-involved shooting aspect of the incident.