Suspect taken to hospital after officer-involved shooting

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Tampa Police Officers are at the scene of an officer involved shooting involving a suspect vehicle thief.

TPD said officers tried to make a traffic stop at Florida Ave. and Ida St. on a white Toyota Corolla with a headlight out around 9:30 Saturday night. The car sped off and the officers pursued. 

It ended several blocks away, behind some houses at Keyes Ave. and Tampa St. The Corolla hit a tree and officers got out to apprehend the driver. But the driver backed the car toward the officers and they opened fire, Tampa police said. 

The suspect was shot, but TPD said he will recover. The suspect was identified as 20-year-old Joel Cook, who was wanted for grand theft. Officers were not aware Cook is who they were attempting to pull over. Police also said they discovered the Corolla was reported stolen. 

The two officers involved were placed on standard administrative leave while an investigation into the shooting is conducted.