On March 17, 2016, the Tampa Police Department SWAT team responded to an incident where a suspect directed his firearm at officers checking on a domestic dispute.
Upon SWAT arrival, the suspect was barricaded in his residence but later emerged and went to a refrigerator in his car port. With their Protech Tactical® NATO 2™ ballistic shield, SWAT officers moved forward and stopped the suspect from retreating back into his residence.
The suspect then pulled a .380 semi-automatic pistol from his waistband and discharged one round striking the ballistic shield center mass. Officer Nate Toole was manning the shield while Cpl. Sean Stuart, Cpl. Stephen Drabiniak and Officer John Simpkins fired from a position of cover provided by the shield, fatally wounding the suspect.
We welcome Officer Nate Toole, SAVE #1955; Corporal Sean Stuart, SAVE #1956; Corporal Stephen Drabiniak, SAVE #1957; and Officer John Simpkins, SAVE #1958 to The Safariland Group SAVES CLUB®.
