An officer was shot while responding to an armed burglary on Hutchinson Island, according to the Fort Pierce Police Department (FPPD).
FPPD reported that on Sunday morning, just before 6 a.m., officers responded to an armed burglary on Bayshore Drive near the Seaway Market & Deli.
Fort Pierce Police Department Chief Diane Hobley-Burney said three officers responded.
“We (FPPD) arrived approximately six minutes after the initial call was there. So we responded quickly,” said Chief Hobley-Burney.
Upon arrival, officers stated that they found the residence door slightly open; they had pushed it further and began issuing warnings from the doorway to anyone inside.
Chief Hobley-Burney said since the suspected burglar was armed, officers took extra precautions.
“They took the additional precaution to hold up a shield, the shield helped protect them. So if someone is shooting at them, it protects them,” said Chief Hobley-Burney.
Despite repeated warnings, a man emerged and aimed a weapon at the officers. It was reported that in response, the officers fired their weapons.
Officials stated that both the officer and the male suspect sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation.
The suspect was taken to HCA Lawnwood Medical Regional Center but succumbed to his injuries, the report states.
The injured police officer is currently receiving treatment for a non-life-threatening injury and is in stable condition.
FPPD stated that someone was inside the home during the shootout but was not harmed. It is unclear at this time if that person is the 9-1-1 caller.
Chief Hobley-Burney said this was an isolated incident and there was no threat to the public.
“The Fort Pierce Police Department will always put our greatest efforts to keep them (the community) safe,” said Chief Hobley-Burney. “This is what the Fort Pierce Police Department does. It is the safety of our community and we’re gonna do whatever we can to ensure that safety.”
At this time, the department is not releasing the names of the suspect who was killed or the officer who was injured.
FPPD stated the officers involved have been put on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has taken charge of the investigation and urges anyone with information to contact the Fort Pierce Police Department at 772-467-6943.
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Source: cbs12
