The police officer was wearing a vest at the time of the shooting. The vest may have saved his life, Tampa police officials said.

TAMPA – A police officer was shot and two other men are dead after gunfire was exchanged late Saturday (March 26) afternoon, according to the Tampa Police Department.

Jose Rodriguez, 53, a 13-year veteran of the Tampa Police Department, was in Tampa General Hospital on Sunday (March 27). Officials said he is expected to survive his injuries. Edward Leroy King, 51, died at the scene. Police said it appears Mr. King was a victim of homicide and had been shot by the time officers arrived. Also dead was Patrick Matthew McManamon, 46. He died at a hospital.

The investigation continues. Detectives are working to establish a timeline and details. A Tampa police spokeswoman said police received a 911 call around 4 p.m. from a witness who was following a car. The witness spoke of some type of altercation in the area of N 30th Street and E 109th Avenue. The witness told officers the suspect drove to the back of the parking lot at the Hyatt Place Tampa, 11111 N 30th St. When officers arrived, Mr. McManamon opened fire and shot Rodriguez. Rodriguez and another officer were able to return fire. Rodriguez was shot one time.

Rodriguez was taken to Tampa General Hospital Trauma Alert. Police are investigating whether his bullet resistant vest saved his life.

For information about the Tampa Police Department, go to tampagov.net.

Tampa | Tampa Police | Police Officer Shot | Jose Rodriguez | Hyatt | TB Reporter

#Tampa #TampaPolice #PoliceOfficerShot #JoseRodriguez #Hyatt #TBReporter