Bodycam video shows gunfire exchange between convicted felon, Tampa police

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The Tampa Police Department released body camera video on Wednesday showing the moment they say a suspect opened fire on officers, forcing them to return fire.

According to Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw, officers saw Matthew Fowler, 23, trying to enter vehicles and apartments while investigating an unrelated robbery around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Azula North Apartments off E. Busch Blvd. near 50th St.

Video shows officers approaching Fowler as he sat on a bicycle along a sidewalk. After Fowler identified himself, an officer tried to handcuff him, leading to a fight.

As Fowler broke free from the officer's grip, video shows him with a gun in his hand moments before shots were fired.

Bercaw said the exchange of gunfire began when Fowler fired the 9mm handgun with an extended magazine that held 30 bullets.

No one was injured, TPD said, and Fowler ran away before being caught a short time later near N. 50th St and Temple Heights Rd. Police found the gun in a nearby dumpster.

Bercaw said Fowler is a convicted felon with a criminal history who was released from prison about a year ago.

Fowler faces the following charges:

* Attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer (two counts)
* Resisting an officer with violence (two counts)
* Carrying a concealed firearm
* Felon in possession of a weapon
* Tampering with physical evidence
* Loitering or prowling