TAMPA, Fla. — Two Tampa police officers narrowly escaped death during a shootout near Busch Gardens.
▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS
Both officers stopped Matthew Fowler after they saw him trying to enter vehicles and homes at an apartment complex.
While trying to identify Fowler, detectives say a struggle ensued, and he fired at both officers.
Watch: Horse-riding officers chase down suspected drug dealer in Florida, police say
Tampa police set up a perimeter around the Bush Gardens area, where they caught Fowler shortly after.
He’s facing several charges, including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.
Watch: ‘Fulfilling her dream’: 7-year-old girl dies after junior drag racing accident, family says
Thankfully, no one was hurt during the firefight.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2025 Cox Media Group