Credit: Inside The MagicTampa police made a sudden and shocking arrest after a shooting on Wednesday morning, July 30, right outside a Florida theme park.
Florida Theme Park Guests Witness Police Shooting as They Begin Their Vacation
A Stroll, a Smile — Then a Shot: Officer Ambushed in Broad Daylight
It was supposed to be a routine morning in Tampa. Blue skies. Empty theme park lots. A peaceful Wednesday before Busch Gardens welcomed its first wave of summer visitors.
But at 8:15 a.m., that quiet was shattered.
An unsuspecting officer — a school resource officer temporarily assigned to patrol for the summer — was walking back to his district building after a conversation with a man just behind the station. He never saw it coming. A gunshot cracked through the air, striking him in the leg. Chaos followed.
If you’re planning to visit Busch Gardens or live near the area, you may have noticed police blockades, helicopters, and a heavy emergency presence. Here’s what really happened, how it unfolded, and what you should know moving forward.
What Happened Near Busch Gardens?
On July 30, 2025, a 40-year-old Tampa Police Department officer was shot in the leg outside the department’s District 3 office — just minutes from Busch Gardens’ Annie Street entrance. According to Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw, the shooting happened after a seemingly calm interaction between the officer and the suspect.
“The conversation appeared to be over,” Bercaw said. “The officer turned and walked back toward the district, and he felt at that time that he had been shot in the leg.”
Quickly responding, fellow officers rushed to his aid, applying a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. The suspect, described as a 21-year-old male with minimal criminal history, fled on foot toward the nearby Busch Gardens property — which was not open to the public at the time.
Within minutes, officers located the suspect near the theme park grounds with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
What Guests and Locals Should Know
While the park remained closed during the incident, police cordoned off surrounding areas, including the Annie Street entrance, parking garage, and adjacent guard towers. If you’re in the area:
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Expect a continued heavy police presence throughout the day
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Avoid blocked streets or areas roped off with police tape
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Stay tuned to local news or Busch Gardens’ social media for updates on park operations
“Our prayers are with the officer who was injured by this sick and depraved gunman,” said Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. “As of the last update, the gunman is no longer a danger to the public.”
Insider Safety Tips for Parkgoers
While these types of events are rare, theme park visitors and locals alike should be prepared for emergency situations near high-traffic locations like Busch Gardens:
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Download the park’s official app to receive live safety alerts and updates
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Park closer to main entrances, which often have tighter security
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If staying nearby, identify multiple exits from the property and hotel
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Avoid lingering in parking garages or backlot areas when possible
“Park security teams are trained for events like this,” a former Busch Gardens employee shared. “But guests who stay aware and follow directions are always safest.”
Why This Story Hits Home for Florida Residents
Beyond headlines, this event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers faced by first responders — even on quiet, sun-drenched mornings.
The officer — now recovering after surgery and reported to be in good spirits — was simply doing his job when violence struck. His story underscores not only the risks of police work but the potential proximity of danger to public attractions, schools, and community spaces.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis echoed this in a press conference:
“We understand how important it is for people who wear the uniform… These guys do a lot for us, so we should be appreciative.”
Social media platforms flooded with support for the officer, while photos of police tape draped across Busch Gardens entrances sent a chill through the local community.