Tampa Police Officer Shot Near Busch Gardens, Suspect Deceased

Officer-Involved Shooting Incident

• 🎯 A Tampa police officer was shot in the leg near the entrance to Busch Gardens on Wednesday morning.
• 🏥 The officer, identified as Jordan Lawert, is in stable condition and good spirits at the hospital, with his family relieved he is conscious and alert.
• ⏱️ The incident occurred shortly before 8:15 AM when a suspect approached the district office and had a conversation with the officer.

Suspect's Actions and Demise

• 🏃‍♂️ After the conversation, the suspect fled across the street towards Busch Gardens.
• 🔫 Responding officers found the suspect with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
• 🧠 Authorities believe the suspect, a 21-year-old male with minimal history, was experiencing a mental health crisis.

Investigation Details

• 📹 Body-worn and surveillance cameras are being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
• ❓ The suspect initially came to the office to complain about something, but the specific details are still under investigation.
• 🚫 The suspect did not make it inside the interior security footprint of Busch Gardens, and the park's operations remained normal.

Community and Department Response

• 🤝 The incident highlights the collaboration and training among law enforcement agencies in Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa.
• 📞 Numerous law enforcement agencies from across the state have reached out to offer support.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Officer Jordan Lawert, 40, has been with the department for 10 years and is typically assigned as a school resource officer, currently on temporary patrol duty.