St Lucie Sheriff’s  Investigating Officer Involved Shooting

“The caller told 9-1-1 that two males in dark clothing wearing hoodies were trying to break into parked vehicles in the driveway,” said Sheriff Ken J. Mascara.

According to the Sheriff, two deputies located a vehicle leaving the area and attempted a traffic stop at 3:46 a.m.

“The driver did not stop and fled from the deputies crashing at 25th Street and Edwards Road,” Mascara said. “When our deputies approached the vehicle, the driver fled again, running over one deputy’s foot.”

The deputies again followed the vehicle where it crashed again at approximately 3:51 a.m. near the intersection of 8th Street and Boston Avenue.

“The driver and passenger fled the vehicle on foot with both deputies following,” Mascara said. “One deputy located the driver in the 900 block of Boston Avenue where he aggressively resisted all attempts to comply with the deputy, pulling a firearm and endangering the deputy’s life.”

According to the Sheriff, at approximately 3:52 a.m., one of the deputies drew his service weapon and fired, striking the suspect.

“The deputies immediately began to render aid while waiting for Fire Rescue personnel, who ultimately pronounced the victim deceased at 4:05 a.m.,” Mascara said. “Deputies described the suspect as a Hispanic male, approximately 20 years of age.”

According to the Sheriff, the second suspect from the vehicle has not been located.

At this time, both deputies have been placed on administrative leave with pay. This incident is still under investigation. More information, including the identity of the suspect and deputies, will be released at a later time. No further information will be released today.

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