Tampa Police Officer Fires Shot During Foot Pursuit of Alleged Drug Suspect

No injuries reported as 24-year-old suspect Marco Fragoso faces multiple charges

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Tampa Police officer discharged a firearm late Saturday night during a foot chase that began as a narcotics investigation in the Hyde Park area. The officer spotted two individuals in an alleyway, and one man, identified as 24-year-old Marco Fragoso, fled on foot after allegedly dropping a small bag of narcotics. The pursuit ended a few blocks away when the officer located Fragoso hiding near a vehicle and fired a single round after Fragoso made a motion toward his waistband. No one was struck by the bullet, and Fragoso was taken into custody and now faces several charges.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges and risks that law enforcement officers face when responding to suspected drug-related activity, as well as the need for thorough investigations into any officer-involved shootings to ensure transparency and accountability.

The details

According to the Tampa Police Department, the officer was conducting enhanced patrol safety initiatives when he observed what appeared to be drug-related activity. As the officer approached, Fragoso fled on foot, allegedly dropping a small bag of narcotics. The officer pursued Fragoso, briefly losing sight of him during the chase. The pursuit ended a few blocks away when the officer located Fragoso hiding near a vehicle in a residential driveway, and the officer fired a single round after Fragoso made a motion toward his waistband.

  • The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on March 14, 2026.
  • The officer has been placed on administrative leave, and the Tampa Police Department has launched a preliminary investigation into the shooting.

The players

Tampa Police Department

The law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the incident and the officer-involved shooting.

Marco Fragoso

A 24-year-old man who allegedly fled from the officer and made a motion toward his waistband, prompting the officer to fire a single round.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This incident highlights the challenges and risks that law enforcement officers face when responding to suspected drug-related activity, as well as the need for thorough investigations into any officer-involved shootings to ensure transparency and accountability.”

— Tampa Police Department (tampafp.com)

What’s next

The Tampa Police Department has launched a preliminary investigation into the shooting, which remains the standard procedure for any officer-involved discharge of a weapon.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the delicate balance that law enforcement must strike between public safety and the use of force, and the importance of thorough investigations to ensure accountability and maintain public trust.