The Plant City Police Department received a call at 9:35 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, in reference to a large and hostile group of subjects at the McDonald's restaurant at 2001 James L. Redman Parkway.
Upon police arrival, a black male subject, later identified as 24-year-old Isaac Macher Thomas, of Winter Haven, fired at least one round from a firearm toward the immediate direction of a uniformed police officer in a police unit.
After firing the weapon, Thomas fled the scene in a white, four-door sedan. The officer, after seeing the weapon fired in his direction, initiated a vehicle pursuit of the sedan onto Alexander Street.
The pursuit continued southbound on Alexander Street to the intersection of Reynolds Street, where Thomas attempted to turn eastbound onto Reynolds Street. Unable to make the turn, Thomas traveled beyond the roadway and into a business plaza, where the sedan crashed into a dental office suite.
The sedan was rendered inoperable, and Thomas attempted to flee the area westbound on foot. A second police officer, Sgt. James Burchett, arrived on scene and observed Thomas attempting to flee the scene.
According to police reports, Thomas pointed a firearm at Burchett in a threatening manner. Burchett became fearful that his life was in imminent danger and discharged his service weapon on Thomas, striking him.
Thomas was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries. Charges are pending.
Per standard Plant City Police Department protocol, Bucket has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of several simultaneous investigations by the Plant City Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office.
According to police, "(Burchett's) prompt response and actions swiftly concluded a potentially dangerous
situation."
Burchett is a seven-year veteran with the Plant City Police Department. He served previously with the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office in Chatham, Virginia where he served for seven years.
This story will be updated as more details are released.