A man released from prison on close supervision in an attempted murder case earlier this year was shot by a Tampa Police officer after he crashes car and flees.

According to police, shortly after 3 a.m., Monday, an officer attempted to stop a vehicle for an expired license plate and seatbelt violation. The officer initially attempted to stop the vehicle at the intersection of Hillsborough Avenue and N. Armenia.

However, instead of stopping, police said the driver fled from the scene. The officer did not follow the vehicle, instead, he called the incident in and a Tampa Police helicopter followed the car from the air.

When the driver, later identified as Edward Bernard Thomas, (who turned 26 today), reached the corner of Coolidge and Hamilton Avenue, the Dodge Challenger crashed into a traffic sign.

Thomas is alleged to have jumped from the vehicle and ran into a wooded area. Officers established a perimeter and a K-9 unit was sent into the woods. As Thomas came out of the woods, the officers allegedly ordered him to show his hands.

When Thomas failed to comply with the commands and the “officer saw what he thought was a weapon, he shot the suspect.” Thomas was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he was being treated for a single gunshot. He was listed in stable condition.

Police said Thomas said he fled because he did not want to go back to prison.

Thomas was arrested in June 2007, and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, discharging a firearm, and attempted second-degree murder.

Hillsborough County Judge J. D. Lopez sentenced Thomas to five years in prison in October 2008. Thomas was released from prison under close supervision on May 29, 2012.

The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

No charges have been filed against Thomas, however, the investigation is continuing.