St. Petersburg Police remain on-scene following an officer involved shooting that took place just prior to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2019. The incident took place in the area of I-275 at the pedestrian bridge at 27th Avenue N.
Police received a call from a neighbor saying there was a suspicious man with a large knife pacing the walkway over the interstate.
Officers negotiated with the man for approximately 45 minutes before he advanced toward officers and an officer shot the man.
Police say the man, identified as 40 year-old Thong Hoot Bouphanh, was transported to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg and remains in critical condition.
Officers used non-lethal means several times to try and stop Bouphanh when he ignored police commands and aggressively advanced towards officers. Officer Thompson shot him when he endangered officers by continuing to aggressively approach them with the knife.
Officer Thompson is on administrative leave with pay while the investigation into the shooting continues, as a matter of SPPD protocol.
The incident is set for a non-arrest invest and the state attorney will decide whether or not to move forward with charges.