A Tampa police officer was shot Saturday afternoon during an altercation between two suspects, officials say.
The suspects were also shot, and both died, according to Tampa police.
Police have identified the officer who was wounded as Jose Rodriguez, 53. Rodriguez is a 13-year veteran of the Tampa Police Department. He was taken to Tampa General Hospital where is recovering.
Police say the incident started at 4 p.m. at a Sunoco gas station on 30th Street. Witnesses say two suspects started arguing and shooting at each other.
A witness called 911 and followed the suspects to the Hyatt Place Hotel and led police right to where they could find the suspects.
"These two suspects were driving in two separate vehicles," Tampa police spokesperson Andrea Davis said. "I don't know at this point when they started shooting at each other. Shots were exchanged. When the officer arrived, there was already gunfire exchanging."
Davis said the gunfire continued even after Ofc. Rodriguez showed up.
"The officer was obviously in fear for his life and potentially people around," she said. "There was more gunfire that was exchanged. I don't know how many shots were fired. Who shot who? We just know at this point three people were shot, including the police officer."
Ofc. Rodriguez was shot in the chest as he fired back. The bullet hit him in his bullet-resistant vest, which likely saved his life, officials said.
Ofc. Rodriguez is the first member of the Tampa police force to be shot in the line of duty since Dontae Morris shot and killed officers Jeffrey Kocab and David Curtis in 2010.