BELLEAIR, FL, November 23, 2015 – At approximately 12:30 p.m. on November 23, 2015, two Belleair Police Officers and a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Deputy became engaged in an officer-involved shooting. The suspect, 28-year-old, Jamaal D. Bishop, was wounded in an exchange of fire after he pointed and discharged his weapon at the officers. Mr. Bishop was taken to Bayfront Medical Center where he is in stable condition. No officers were injured in the exchange, save for Belleair Police Officer Roy Olsen, who received a minor scrape on the hand.

The Fifth Third Bank on Indian Rocks Road in Belleair originally called 911 to report a suspicious person who was in the bank with a large bulge in his right pocket. Mr. Bishop left the Fifth Third Bank and headed east towards the Pinellas Trail along Belleview Blvd. The Sheriff’s Deputy, Officers Olsen and Eastermann made initial contact with Mr. Bishop at the corner of Belleview Blvd and the Pinellas Trail. During the course of their conversation, Mr. Bishop forcibly shoved Ofc. Eastermann and fled southbound down S. Fort Harrison Ave. An attempt to taser Mr. Bishop was made, however, he was out of range. Mr. Bishop then turned back while running away and presented his weapon. After several challenges to Mr. Bishop to drop his gun, Mr. Bishop began to fire upon the officers. Ofc. Olsen returned fire and hit Mr. Bishop. Mr. Bishop was wounded and came to rest outside the Fairview Business Park where he was secured. Mr. Bishop received medical treatment and was transported the Bayfront Medical Center where he is in stable condition.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting the criminal investigation, and a use of force investigation.

S. Fort Harrison Road will remain closed from Belleview Blvd. to Belleair Ave. while the investigation occurs.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Joseph (JP) Murphy at 727-588-3769 ext. 205 or email at Jmurphy@townofbelleair.net.