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Tampa Police Officer Shot

Walter Richard Jeziorski | Tampa Police | Arrests

A second police officer was injured during the fracas. Both officers have been treated and released from the hospital, the Tampa Police Department said.

TAMPA – A police officer was shot and another injured early this morning (March 19) while trying to serve a warrant, the Tampa Police Department said.

Officers Richard Lehr, who was shot, and Leigh Smith, who sprained his ankle, were taken to the hospital. They were both treated and released. Lehr has been with the Tampa department since June 2008; Smith, since 2014.

Police said they have a suspect, Walter Richard Jeziorski, 35, in custody. It is unclear if he has been charged. The arrest warrant was in connection with charges of a written threat to kill/do bodily injury; threatening/harassing phone calls; and owning or possessing firearm after issuance of domestic violence injunction.

The shooting happened about 2:30 a.m. in the 4605 block of N Hubert at the Hubert Avenue Villa Apts. Police said, Jeziorski fired several shots from the doorway of the residence. One of the shots Lehr in the arm. It appears that the same bullet also hit Lehr’s torso. Lehr also suffered an injury to his leg that was not the result of a gunshot.

Upon being shot at, both officers returned fire. After firing at the officers, Jeziorski retreated to the house.

Tampa police Chief Brian Dugan said Jeziorski’s mother told her son to put down his weapon and give up. Within minutes he surrendered.

Richard Lehr | Tampa Police Department | Police Officer
Richard Lehr
Leigh Smith | Tampa Police Department | Police Officer
Leigh Smith
Photo of Walter Richard Jeziorski is from a 2017 arrest. He was charged with violation of a domestic violence injunction and leaving the scene of a crash with injury.

Tampa Police | Police Officer Shot | Richard Lehr | Crime | Arrests | Tampabay News

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