Detectives Searching for Burglary Suspect Shot by Homeowner

Detectives are searching for an armed suspect who was shot by a homeowner during an attempted break-in earlier this month.

Oscar D. Thomas, 42, is accused of burglarizing a home in the 400 block of East Ross Avenue shortly before 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 18. A woman inside the home heard noises coming from downstairs, police said, and her husband armed himself with a handgun and went to check it out. He confronted the suspect, who was "attempting to remove items out of the home," police spokesperson Janelle McGregor wrote in a media release.

"In fear for his life, the husband fired one shot, hitting the suspect in the right arm," McGregor wrote.

The suspect fled the scene, but not before taking a Taser he stole from the homeowner's purse, detectives said. Forensic evidence left behind at the scene was used to identify the suspect Thomas as the suspect. A warrant was issued for his arrest on Feb. 24.

Thomas has two possible addresses in Tampa, police said: 102 W. Gladys St., Apt #B, and 2804 N. Tampa St., Apt #B.

A reward is being offered for the suspect's arrest, police said.

Anyone with information leading to an arrest is asked to contact Crimestoppers at 800-873-TIPS.