Purple Heart Recipient Trooper Brandon McElderry

Trooper Shot on I-275

On the morning of Wednesday, January 5th at approximately 10:00 AM, Trooper Brandon McElderry, Troop C – Tampa, attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Interstate 275 in Hillsborough County. The violator exited I-275 and stopped. The two conversed and a struggle occurred. During the struggle, the violator seized control of Trooper McElderry’s weapon and shot him in the hip, then attempted to carjack a passing motorist. Tampa Police Department arrived on the scene and took the violator into custody. Trooper McElderry was transported to Tampa General Hospital where he was listed in fair condition.

Going Home

Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Brandon McElderry, going home after experiencing some complications with a gunshot wound received in the line of duty, which required another stay at a local hospital.

FHP Trooper Shot During Altercation In Tampa
Published on Wednesday, January 5, 2005, in the Tampa Tribune

TAMPA – A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was shot in the thigh with his own gun during a fight with a driver following a traffic stop Wednesday morning, officials said.

After Trooper Brandon McElderry, 30, had stopped Darian Maurice Wright, 28, for a tag violation near the Seminole Heights neighborhood, the two began to argue and then fight, FHP spokesman Larry Coggins said.

McElderry had initially attempted to stop Wright on Interstate 275, but managed to stop him after he exited, Coggins said.

Wright ran from McElderry and when the trooper caught him there was a struggle over his gun, Coggins said.

The details of the fight were not immediately available, Coggins said.

McElderry, a two-year FHP veteran, was taken to Tampa General Hospital, where he was in fair condition with a gunshot wound to his upper right thigh, Coggins said.

Wright was hospitalized at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa for injuries sustained in his struggle with the trooper.

Authorities are investigating the incident and have not yet arrested Wright for shooting the trooper. He is being held on other, unspecified charges. Wright initially identified himself as his cousin, Tony Livingston. Livingston was at home, and was not involved with the incident.