Sergeant Malloy, Trooper Fields, and Trooper Kelly

On April 17, 2024, Sergeant Malloy, Trooper Fields, and Trooper Kelly observed a Tampa Police Department (TPD) patrol unit, with emergency equipment engaged, enter the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) building driveway adjacent to Troop C Headquarters. A responding Tampa police officer advised that their agency received a bomb threat to the FDOT building. The suspect’s vehicle was located in front of the FDOT building, with the suspect still inside the vehicle armed with a handgun. Trooper Kelly and Sergeant Malloy immediately positioned themselves strategically to maintain a clear view of the suspect. Working with the Tampa Bay Regional Communications Center (TBRCC), Trooper Fields, considering the safety of others, confirmed the building was evacuated, removing others from an imminent threat. The suspect ignored all verbal commands to disengage and ultimately took his own life before others were harmed. With Trooper Kelly and Sergeant Malloy providing cover, TPD officers approached and opened the front door of the suspect’s vehicle and confirmed that the suspect was deceased and an explosive device was present. The device was disabled by the State Fire Marshall and TPD Bomb Squad.

This dangerous and potentially deadly situation is an excellent example of how law enforcement agencies work together every day, cooperatively, for the ultimate safety of everyone.