A Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputy is recovering after being shot three times at close range in West Tampa late Friday night, according to The St. Petersburg Times.
Deputy Lyonelle De Veaux, 35, sustained wounds to her upper leg, lower leg and shoulder and was listed in stable condition at St. Joseph's Hospital, Sheriff David Gee told the newspaper.
She was wearing a protective vest during the confrontation.
The alleged gunman was found close to five hours after the shooting when deputies gained entry to an apartment he barricaded himself in.
Deveaux responded to a possible domestic dispute call at the Inwood Park Apartment Homes complex at 4747 W. Waters Avenue at approximately 10:22 p.m.
Upon arrival she was met by a woman at the entry gate. She placed the woman inside her cruiser and prepared to take her statement when she was approached by the boyfriend who pulled a gun from under his shirt.
Officials said he fired at least nine shots before retreating.
"We have seen a shift in our society, unfortunately," Gee said. "I've been in this for 35 years and I've never seen so many police officers shot."
Earlier this year, three St. Petersburg police officers were shot and killed in the line of duty and last year two Tampa officers were fatally wounded during a traffic stop.
Officer.com will provide more information on this story as it becomes available.
