Tallahassee Police Officer Injured Following Shooting Incident

March 08, 2024

Today, March 8, just after 2 p.m., an officer with the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) was injured in a shooting following a violent physical altercation that ensued as an officer attempted to affect an arrest following an earlier trespassing incident involving the suspect, 36-year-old Willis Adams, at the Loyalty Inn, located at 2738 North Monroe Street.

Less than two hours after the initial call for service, the suspect returned to the hotel, where one of the original officers was still on scene. The officer, recognizing the suspect from the earlier incident, gave verbal commands to Adams letting him know he would be arrested. The officer attempted to gain voluntary compliance, using both his baton and TASER, as the suspect violently resisted. The suspect escalated his attack on the officer, who subsequently reached for his firearm. As the two struggled, the officer's firearm discharged, and the officer was struck in the hand. The suspect left with the officer's firearm.

A secondary officer arriving on scene following the shooting also attempted to take Adams into custody when Adams reached for the secondary officer's firearm as well. After struggle, and with the assistance off-duty deputies from the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office and Leon County Sheriff's Office, who stopped to help, the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

The injured officer is in stable condition and is expected to recover.

"There is no place for violent crime in this community, especially against the men and women who dedicate their lives to protect and serve this City," Chief Lawrence Revell said. "The officers acted with extreme bravery, and their efforts reflect TPD's high level of training and commitment to being able to safely arrest individuals."

This event emphasizes the daily challenges officers encounter in safeguarding public safety. The swift arrest of Willis Adams stands as evidence of TPD's ongoing efforts to apprehend a dangerous offender and uphold public safety.