Tampa Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Being Accused Of Shooting At Deputy

TAMPA, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a man accused of shooting at a deputy early Sunday morning.

Ma'at Lee, 20, of Tampa was arrested Tuesday.

He is being investigated for his involvement in at least two other crimes in Hillsborough County that took place before the shooting as well.

He is currently charged with armed robbery with a firearm, grand theft of a firearm, armed carjacking and attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.

"Our team of detectives worked quickly and diligently to piece together the sequence of events and ultimately identify this violent suspect who shot at one of our own," said Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister. "There is no room for this type of senseless violence in Hillsborough County, and now this individual will face justice for the crimes he committed against the innocent citizens of our community."

During a news conference Sunday, Chief Deputy Donna Lusczynski said Deputy Geovanny Rodriguez, 29, stopped a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee that had no tag at 4:46 a.m. near the intersection of 43rd Street and Skipper Road.

Before the deputy could get out of his vehicle, the driver fired at him at least eight times, striking the sheriff's vehicle.

The shots missed Rodriguez, who fired back at the shooter as he drove away.

Lusczynski said the shooter abandoned the Jeep, which was stolen at gunpoint in the Brandon area on Oct. 27, on Skipper Road.

Rodriguez is on administrative leave, a requirement following a shooting.

See related story: Man In Stolen Jeep Shoots At Deputy 8 Times Before Fleeing