TAMPA, FL — The Tampa Police Department has terminated Officer Dukagjin Maxhuni following an internal investigation that found repeated violations of department policies involving judgment, communication, prisoner care, and professionalism.
According to the Tampa Police Department, the investigation began after a routine quality assurance review of body-worn camera footage from a traffic stop on February 25, 2026.
During the incident, Maxhuni was part of a two-officer unit that attempted to stop a vehicle. The driver fled but was quickly located in the 2900 block of W. Walnut Street. As Maxhuni exited the unmarked patrol vehicle, the suspect had already exited his vehicle and began walking away.
Police said the suspect stopped and raised his hands after seeing the officer. Maxhuni ordered the suspect to turn around while simultaneously activating his department-issued Electronic Control Device (ECD). Investigators determined he did not reassess the situation or allow the suspect adequate time to comply before deploying the Taser.
The investigation also found that Maxhuni deployed the Taser while another officer was attempting to take the suspect into custody. After the arrest, he allegedly left the suspect lying unattended on the sidewalk and made several unprofessional and disparaging remarks.
As a result, Maxhuni was found to have violated department policies related to Standard of Conduct, Response to Resistance, and Failure to Comply (Department Policies; Philosophy of Enforcement).
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said the officer’s actions represented “a clear betrayal” of the department’s commitment to treating every person with dignity and respect, adding that the behavior does not reflect the values of the department’s more than 1,000 officers.
The department also noted that Maxhuni had previously been disciplined in 2022 for sustained violations of Courtesy to the Public and Standard of Conduct stemming from a “Buy Bust” operation. Maxhuni had been employed with the Tampa Police Department since April 2013 before his termination.
SOURCE: TAMPA POLICE DEPARTMENT
