Bodycam and Air Unit Respond to Armed Suspects Being Shot After firing at Tampa Police Officers #new

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(Disclaimer: This video content is intended for educational and informational purposes only)

As Per Tampa.gov
While conducting a felony traffic stop, Tampa Police Officers came under fire by a male subject who had also fired a gun outside a local club on Busch Boulevard. Officers returned fire, striking and killing the subject.

“I am thankful that no officers or community members were injured or killed by this criminal,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “Seeing the bullets that ripped through the door, hood, and windshield of the police car clearly shows this person had a complete disregard for human life. While officers train consistently for critical situations, the use of deadly force is the last resort any officer wants to take. In this case, the shooter gave the officers no other option.”

On Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 10:50 p.m., Tampa Police Officers responded to the 3700 block of Busch Boulevard in reference to the report of an armed subject firing shots from a gray Kia Soul. Patrol officers and the Tampa Police Aviation Unit spotted the vehicle headed southbound on N. 40th Street.

Just before 11:00 p.m., officers attempted a felony traffic stop at the intersection of N. 40th Street and E. 32nd Avenue, where the passenger, 42-year-old black male Laquincy Dartez Ward (dob 12/18/1980), exited the vehicle and fired multiple rounds at officers, striking the police car multiple times. Officers returned fire and struck the suspect. At that time the suspect re-entered the vehicle and the driver, 37-year-old white female Jeanette Lockard, fled southbound on N. 40th Street.

At 11:00 p.m., the vehicle came to a complete stop, where Lockard exited the vehicle and surrendered to officers. Ward was pronounced deceased.

Investigators found the firearm in the vehicle matched the description of the gun that the complainant originally reported.

Lockard was arrested and charged with seven counts of Accessory After the Fact to Attempted Murder, Tampering with Evidence Related to a Felony, and Felony Fleeing to Elude.

Tampa Police detectives continue investigating what led to the original shooting on Busch Blvd.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is currently investigating the officer-involved shooting. The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave. Both actions are standard procedures for the Tampa Police Department in relation to any officer-involved shooting.