By Trend News Line 2024-05-19 01:53:26.
Deadly Officer-Involved Shooting in Fort Pierce
Tragedy struck the streets of Fort Pierce on Saturday morning as a suspect and two victims lost their lives in a harrowing officer-involved shooting. The incident unfolded shortly after 11 a.m., when Fort Pierce police responded to reports of a possible shooting victim near North 24th Street and Avenue M.
Shots Fired
As officers were tending to the injured victim, they suddenly heard the chilling sound of gunfire erupting nearby. The armed suspect, later identified as 28-year-old Bernard Smith of Fort Pierce, was located just one block away on North 25th Street. A confrontation ensued between Smith and the officers, resulting in a fatal exchange of gunfire that ended Smith’s life. Fortunately, no officers were injured during the confrontation.
Tragic Loss
Amongst the chaos, two additional shooting victims were discovered by law enforcement and St. Lucie County deputies near the scene of the incident. Sadly, two of the three victims succumbed to their injuries, while the third victim was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. The senseless violence and loss of life have left the community reeling from the tragic events.
Law Enforcement Response
Fort Pierce Police Major Michael Santiago expressed gratitude for the quick and decisive actions of the responding officers, who managed to contain the violent situation before it could escalate further. The bravery and training of the officers undoubtedly prevented further bloodshed and ensured the safety of the surrounding community.
Investigation Underway
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has taken over the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, aiming to provide transparency and accountability in the aftermath of the tragic events. The authorities are working tirelessly to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and piece together the sequence of events that led to the deadly confrontation.
Appeal for Information
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. Detective Jesse Love can be reached at 772-302-4790, while anonymous tips can be provided to Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-8477. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in unravelling the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
As the community mourns the loss of life and grapples with the aftermath of the violent incident, the authorities continue to work diligently to ensure justice is served and to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The streets of Fort Pierce may be marred by this senseless violence, but the resilience and determination of the community shine through in the face of adversity.
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– Suspect and others dead in shooting incident in Florida.