Suspect killed in shootout with Tampa police after stabbing mother in front of children: Investigators

TAMPA, Fla. - A suspect who stabbed the mother of his children multiple times was shot and killed by Tampa police after they said he pointed an assault rifle at them, authorities said. 

Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said the suspect, a 33-year-old man who has not yet been identified by investigators, was wanted in the stabbing that left the woman in critical condition. Officials said he stabbed her in front of their children, who are between two and six years old, and left her bleeding in the 2800 block of 35th Street. 

The suspect then drove off with their children, leaving them with his brother before stealing his AK-47 assault rifle, according to the Tampa Police Department. 

READ: Tampa teen who avoided charges in classmate's death could be in trouble after failed drug test

After that, officers said they spotted the suspect's vehicle at around 5:40 p.m. near Dale Mabry Highway and Spruce Street. The officers followed the suspect, but minutes later, he pointed the AK-47 at them, police said.

Officers started chasing the 33-year-old at Lois Avenue and Cyprus Street and continued all the way to North Florida Avenue near East Euclid Avenue, according to investigators. 

Once on Florida Avenue, the suspect rammed into a car that had a man and woman inside, TPD said. 

Immediately after the crash, that's when the suspect started firing at Tampa police officers with the assault rifle, Chief Bercaw said during Monday evening news conference.

MORE: Family of Sarasota teen shot in the head takes action in hopes of preventing gun violence

Multiple officers returned fire, striking and killing the suspect, Tampa police said. No officers were injured during the shootout with the suspect. 

Chief Bercaw called the suspect a "public menace," saying he was a threat to the community. 

"Our thoughts are with the stabbing victim as she fights for her life in the hospital right now, the children who experienced this and the occupants of the vehicle," the chief said. "No one should have to witness the chaos that this suspect caused our community."

Sabrina Turner, who was driving on North Florida Avenue, said she saw the suspect's car fly out into the road and crash with the other car. 

"When I was ducking for cover, and I just heard all the bullets hitting all over, I knew I was going to get hit," Turner said. "I’m like, ‘Please don’t let me die, don’t let me die. And, which way I should position myself? I don’t want to get hit in the head. I don’t want to get shot in the chest.’"

"At that point, once I heard gunshots, I just tried to protect myself," she said. "I have six children. I just wanted to be alive and make it home."

Turner said she remembers an officer pulling her out of her car amid the gunfire, and running her to safety, saving her life. 

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed they will investigate the officer-involved shooting and all officers that were involved were placed on administrative duty, which is standard protocol. 

"We have a lot of heroism and a lot of good fortune on the part of TPD," Mark Brutnell with FDLE said. "They dodged a lot of potentially bad things tonight, and they were absolute heroes." 

FDLE officials said they will be at the scene throughout the evening to collect evidence and talk to witnesses. 

Chief Bercaw did say the kids are placed with a family member and are okay. Their mother remains in critical condition at the hospital, TPD said.