Tampa officers suffered minor injuries and a suspect was hospitalized after being shot during an incident involving a two and a half-hour standoff. Officers received information that Jermonte Thorton, who was wanted on outstanding felony warrants, would be at a friend's house. The officers waited for the suspect at the location using three police SUVs to box the suspect in when he arrived at the friend's home. Thorton repeatedly rammed the police SUVs before ramming into a tree and driving away.
As Thorton rammed into the tree, Corporal Bryan Hoskins and Officer Tim Bergman each fired one shot at the suspect and indicated they feared for their lives. One of the officer's bullet's hit Thorton; an investigation is pending to determine which officer's bullet hit Thorton.
Despite Thorton's injuries, he managed to flee the scene in his vehicle and drove to the Lennox Apartments located at 11311 North 22nd Street. Thorton knocked on an apartment door and said, "It's me." The woman in the apartment thought it was her boyfriend and opened the door. Thorton took the woman hostage and threatened to kill her. The officers did not see what apartment Thorton went into but followed a trail of blood to a group of four apartments. As officers prepared to enter the fourth apartment, Thorton jumped from the apartment balcony. Two K9 officers pursued and jumped over a barbed wire fence in a foot pursuit of Thorton. The officers apprehended Thorton, who was taken to Tampa General Hospital and treated for a gunshot wound to his side. Upon arrest, a gun was discovered in Thorton's vehicle. The officers also suffered minor injuries including cuts on their hands and legs. The officers were placed on paid administrative leave.
Thorton had already been facing serious charges on the outstanding warrants including armed burglary, battery and aggravated assault as well as additional charges. He now also faces additional charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, home invasion robbery and false imprisonment. Tampa Criminal Defense lawyer John Musca indicated that Thorton could face decades in state prison if convicted.
If you have been arrested or are facing criminal allegations, you face a number of important decisions. The most critical one is choosing who will represent you in the legal system.
It is important to be proactive in building your defense. A conviction will likely change your life. But with high quality legal representation on your side, it is possible to put these charges behind your for good. If you have been arrested and are seeking legal guidance, Musca Law is here for you. Contact a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney at Musca Law today, to speak with an experienced attorney. We offer a free trial consultation and Spanish language translation services.
