A former City of Riviera Beach employee has been accused of shooting his coworker in the face and stomping his head into the road following multiple altercations at their workplace.
The West Palm Beach Police Department (WPBPD) stated that on October 27 at around 6:20 p.m., they had responded to gunshots fired at 1600 North Australian Avenue near a children’s Halloween event at Gaines Park.
When police arrived on the scene, they reported finding a victim lying in the road suffering from gunshot wounds to his face, leg, abdomen, and chest.
Officials asked who shot him, and he said “Chris” shot him because he was about to be fired for doing something bad. WPBPD later determined “Chris” was a 52-year-old Christopher McCullon.
According to the probable cause affidavit, McCullen was driving onNorth Australian Avenue and the victim was running. McCullen reportedly got out of his car with a handgun and chased the victim, identified by police as Courtney Cross, while shooting at him several times.
A witness told WPBPD that he saw the victim get hit by gunfire and fall to the ground, the witness continued to stated that he then saw McCullon stand on top of the victim and “unload that gun in that man,” shooting at the victim until he was out of ammunition. Once McCullen ran out of ammunition, the witness stated he saw him pistol whip the victim.
Witness Stops Attack
WPBPD interviewed another witness who told them he saw McCullen assault the victim as he was driving.
The witness continued to state that he saw McCullen stomping the victim’s head into the concrete in the middle of the road which prompted him to get out and confront McCullen.
The report notes that after this interaction McCullen walked away with a silver handgun in his hands.
The report continued by explaining that WPBPD uncovered a human resources case from the victim’s and McCullen’s workplace involving both of them. The case added that the two of them had gotten into two separate altercations at work resulting in McCullen getting placed on administrative leave.
Detectives met with the victim at St. Mary’s Hospital whose jaw was sewed shut from gunshot wounds, the victim was able to confirm with his nods that photos that McCullen was the suspect who attacked him.
“The suspect was taken into custody at his home in Riviera Beach with the assistance of the Riviera Beach Police Department SWAT team. There were also a number of weapons, guns that were recovered at the suspect’s home,” Jachles said.
McCullen is in the Palm Beach County Jail on a premeditated attempted murder with a firearm charge.
“Based on the advice of the family’s attorney, the family cannot comment at this time,” a spokesperson for the McCullon family told CBS12 News Wednesday evening.
Former City of Riviera Beach Employee Placed on Administrative Leave Before Shooting
The City of Riviera Beach released the following statement after the arrest of Christopher McCullon:
On October 27, 2024, a tragic incident took place at 1600 Block of North Australian Ave., West Palm Beach. Christopher McCullon, a former employee of the City of Riviera Beach, was arrested in connection with the shooting of another city employee. This unfortunate incident has sent shockwaves through our city and community.
In the days preceding this incident, Mr. McCullon was placed on administrative leave with pay, effective October 24, 2024, due to his involvement in a verbal altercation. During this encounter, he was cited for using vulgar and abusive language, engaging in a verbal assault, and issuing threats against a coworker. The City had taken immediate action by placing Mr. McCullon on leave to allow for an outside agency to address and review the situation.
The City of Riviera Beach is fully cooperating with the West Palm Beach Police Department as they continue their investigation into this matter. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies go out to the victim’s family as they face the difficult journey of recovery ahead. We are also mindful of the impact this incident has had on our community, including our dedicated employees who are processing the shock of these events. To support them, we are offering Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, including counseling, to help them navigate this challenging time.
Our commitment remains to prioritize the well-being of all individuals affected by this tragic event, providing necessary resources and support, and to work closely with law enforcement throughout the course of the investigation. We ask for the community’s understanding and patience as we seek to bring clarity and justice to this deeply saddening situation.
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Source: cbs12
