Tampa Police Engage in Shootout with Armed Suspect at Apartment Complex

On February 4, 2025, just after 10:00 a.m., a Tampa Police Detective with 21 years of service and a Tampa Police Corporal with 9 years of service were conducting follow-up investigations on an unrelated robbery at the Azula North Apartments, located at 4939 E. Busch Blvd. While in the complex parking lot, they observed 23-year-old Matthew Fowler, trying to enter vehicles and apartment doors. During an attempt to identify Fowler, a struggle ensued, and he drew a Glock 9mm handgun with an extended 30-round magazine and fired on the officers. Neither officer was struck. One officer returned fire, but Fowler was able to flee the scene on foot.

A perimeter was quickly established, and Fowler who was not struck, was apprehended a short time later. His gun, a Glock 9mm with an extended magazine, was recovered from a nearby dumpster. Fowler has been charged with Two Counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer; Two Counts of Resisting an Officer with Violence; Carrying a Concealed Firearm; Felon in Possession of a Weapon; Tampering with Physical Evidence; and Loitering or Prowling.