Hillsborough County detectives are on the scene of a deputy-involved shooting in Tampa.
Deputies said in a recent press conference that the sheriff involved was working undercover on a drug investigation when the suspect and the sheriff got into a struggle. During the struggle, the gun got loose and went off. Deputies don't know which hand was on the gun.
"Responding and backup deputies were in the area monitoring the deal, moved in and shot the suspect. They saw the deputy in a fight for his life and shot the suspect." said Col. Donna Lusczynski, Hillsborough Co. Sheriff's Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, the shooting happened at the Cinnamon Cove complex at 16th St. and 122nd Ave. in Tampa.
One person is dead, and the deputy has been transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The cousin of the suspect, Mark Newton told Bay News 9 that his cousin used to sell drugs but he was cleaning up his life.
"My cousin did not sell narcotics. Years and years ago. He just got out of prison. His birthday was just yesterday. He got a chance in life. He tried to make it better, better, better for himself," Newton said. "For them to do what they did to my cousin was wrong. It was an act of cowardice. It was just so sinful."
More information will be released as it becomes available.