2 Tampa police officers seriously injured in shooting; couple sought in massive manhunt

2 Fla. police officers injured in shooting

TAMPA, Fla. — Authorities began a massive manhunt Tuesday for two suspects in the shooing of two Tampa police officers during a traffic stop.

An officer pulled over a red Toyota Camry around 2:15 a.m. because it didn’t have a visible tag. He called for back up after a background check revealed the male passenger in the car was wanted for a misdemeanor, Tampa Police spokeswoman Laura McElroy said.

A short time later, a witness called to say two Tampa officers had been shot. Authorities arrived to find the unidentified officers lying on the ground. They were brought to the hospital in “extremely critical condition,” McElroy said.

Helicopters, police dogs and dozens of officers searched for the passenger, who is believed to be the shooter. A female who was driving the car was also being sought.

“We know they are armed and extremely dangerous,” McElroy said. “We don’t know what else they’re capable of.”