TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Police Department has released surveillance video footage related to the officer-involved shooting that occurred in Channelside on December 28th, 2024.
The video, captured by a HART Trolley camera, shows the incident from a distance. It depicts two Reserve Officers, Shelby Riggs-Hopkins and Paul Spike Hopkins, working traffic enforcement on the 600 block of Channelside Drive when they encounter 38-year-old Jaquan James Thomas.
The footage shows an altercation between the officers and Thomas, culminating in Riggs-Hopkins firing her weapon. Thomas was struck three times and remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating the incident, including the nature of the threat Thomas allegedly made against the officers. No gun has been recovered at this time.
Riggs-Hopkins and Hopkins are married volunteer employees who joined the Tampa Police Department as Reserve Officers in July 2023. They both have prior law enforcement experience.
Reserve Officers are trained volunteers who provide additional support for emergencies and special events, allowing more full-time officers to remain on patrol. Due to cost constraints and minimum hour requirements, these volunteer officers do not wear body cameras.
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The released video is the only footage currently available that captured the shooting. Investigators are asking any citizens or businesses with additional video footage to share it with the FDLE to assist in the investigation.
The FDLE investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available..
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