Police officer shot in Tampa

A Tampa police officer was shot during an altercation at 4 p.m. Saturday between two suspects, officials say.

Two suspects were also shot and have died, according to Tampa police.

Police identified the wounded officer as Jose Rodriguez, 53, a 13-year veteran of the Tampa Police Department.

Police say the incident started at a Sunoco gas station on 30th Street. Witnesses say two suspects started arguing and shooting at each other.

A witness called 911 and followed the suspects to the Hyatt Place Hotel and led police to the suspects.

“These two suspects were driving in two separate vehicles,” Tampa police spokeswoman Andrea Davis said. “Shots were exchanged.”

Davis said the gunfire continued  after Rodriguez showed up.

“The officer was obviously in fear for his life and potentially people around,” she said. “I don’t know how many shots were fired. ”

 Rodriguez was taken to a local hospital. Police say he is breathing and conscious, and the bulletproof vest he was wearing likely saved his life.

This story was originally published March 26, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Police officer shot in Tampa."