A Tampa Bay police officer was among several injured Thursday night during a 40-minute shooting spree.
Antonio Cruz Ortiz, 31, was arrested after he was involved in several shootings in the city, county and along Interstate 275, according to police.
Suspect arrested after shooting at and injuring police officer. @TampaPD, @HCSOSheriff, & @FHPTampa now working coordinated investigation regarding multiple shootings.
— TampaPD (@TampaPD) July 31, 2020
Details➡️https://t.co/ArQFbwwRjw pic.twitter.com/AwLjXATftC
Police received a 911 call shortly before 7 p.m. about someone shooting from a moving vehicle on the interstate near West Shore Boulevard. Several other calls also came in with similar reports nearby, including people being shot by the same suspect.
Police said they attempted to stop Ortiz about 7:30 p.m. when he allegedly shot at them. One officer was struck in the arm. Police returned fire, and Ortiz’s vehicle’s windshield was shattered by police rounds.
#Update: A TPD spokesperson tell us there were at least 7 shooting scenes tonight, including one on I-275. 5 people were injured including a 24yo TPD officer. The suspected shooter is in custody. All victims are expected to be okay. 📸: @WFLAMelanie
— (@WFLAJennifer)Jul 30 2020
Ortiz then allegedly ran into a nearby apartment complex, where he was later taken into custody.
A tire is blown out and the passenger window shattered on the @TampaPD cruiser at the scene where officer was shot. @BN9
— (@TrevorPettiford)Jul 30 2020
All of the shooting victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The injured officer has been with the department for 11 months.
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