A Tampa Police officer fired his service weapon during a foot pursuit on the 400 block of S Albany Ave. late on March 14, according to a statement released March 15 by the department.
The incident occurred as part of ongoing enhanced patrol safety initiatives. Officers observed two individuals in an alleyway on the 400 block of S Howard Ave. who appeared to be involved in narcotics activity. When approached, one subject fled and dropped a small bag containing narcotics. The officer pursued the suspect, identified as Marco Fragoso, age 24, but temporarily lost sight of him.
The officer later found Fragoso hiding next to a vehicle in a driveway on S Albany Ave. According to police, “The officer saw the suspect motion toward his waistband, which resulted in the officer firing one round towards the suspect.” No injuries were reported; Fragoso was not struck by gunfire and was immediately taken into custody. The officer also did not sustain any injuries.
Fragoso faces charges including possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with physical evidence, and resisting arrest without violence. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with Tampa Police Department protocol. Additional details are expected from the Public Information Office as they become available.
Tampa is Florida’s third-largest city with a population of about 392,800 and is part of the larger Tampa Bay Area metropolitan region with approximately 3.1 million residents, according to the official website. The city features notable venues such as Raymond James Stadium and the University of South Florida Yuengling Center according to official sources. Tampa has evolved into a multicultural hub known for its Hispanic heritage—particularly in Ybor City—and its cigar-making history according to historical records.
Tampa’s recent history includes major sports achievements: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the Super Bowl in 2002, while the Tampa Bay Lightning claimed Stanley Cup victories in 2004, 2020, and 2021 according to city records.
