A Tampa police officer was shot and killed in the Sulphur Springs area of Tampa Wednesday night.

Corporal Mike Roberts, 38, was investigating a suspicious person when he was shot.

The suspect, who police have identified as 34-year-old Humberto Delgado Jr., has been charged in the murder.

The shooting took place at Nebraska Avenue and E. Arctic Street.

“This was an exceptional officer who had just an absolutely excellent reputation not only as a police officer but as a human being,” said Tampa police spokesperson Laura McElroy. “There is no doubt that he died a hero tonight protecting his community.”

Police said they received a call at about 10 p.m. about a suspicious person. They said Roberts, an 11-year veteran officer, answered the call alone.

Roberts found Delgado, who lives in Oldsmar, pushing a shopping cart on Nebraska Ave. When he made contact with the man, Roberts discovered that the cart was loaded with weapons.

When Roberts tried to apprehend him, a violent struggle ensued, police said.

Delgado broke loose and ran across Nebraska Avenue.

Roberts pursued him on foot. Witnesses said Delgado then began pistol-whipping Roberts in the head before shooting him.

Castor said Roberts was wearing a bullet-proof vest but the bullet went through his arm and into his chest through a small area that was unprotected.

Delgado then took off down Arctic Street.

By then backup crews had arrived. The officer’s sergeant saw the officer down and saw the suspect.

Delgado then pointed an AR-15 rifle at the sergeant, McElroy said.

Humberto Delgado Jr. was taken into custody shortly after the shooting.

The sergeant took cover and the suspect continued running.

The sergeant then went to Roberts, who was transported Tampa General Hospital. He was pronounced dead at 10:50 p.m.

Roberts was a husband and father of a 3-year-old son. He was an Air Force and Army veteran and had recently been promoted.

McElroy said witnesses called the police and told them where Delgado was located.

A police K-9 tracked him to a backyard at which point he threw down his gun and gave up.

Delgado had at least four weapons in the cart and in a backpack, police said. They found a receipt showing that Delgado bought many firearms in another state.

Roberts is the 27th Tampa police officer to be killed in the line of duty.

Delgado has been charged with first degree murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and carrying a concealed firearm.

To donate to Cpr. Roberts’ family

A fund has been set up for the family of Cpl. Mike Roberts.

Donations can be made to the Tampa Police Memorial Fund. Send checks to:
411 N. Franklin Street
Tampa, FL 33602

Please write in the “Memo” section: “Cpl. Mike Roberts Memorial Fund”

Source: http://www.baynews9.com

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