WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — WPTV is learning new information about a shooting Sunday night near a fall festival in West Palm Beach.
The shooting occurred near Gaines Park on North Australian Avenue just before 6:30 p.m. where a trunk or treat event was occurring at the Gaines Park Community Center.
Police said the suspect, Christoper McCullon, 52, of Riviera Beach was seen chasing his coworker, Courtney Cross, 52, of Riviera Beach down the street shooting at him. Both men are employed by the city of Riviera Beach.
After Cross collapsed, investigators said McCullon stood over him and kept shooting — hitting him in the stomach and chest — and stomping on his head.
Two witnesses told investigators that McCullon fired at Cross until his gun was out of ammo.
Investigators said McCullon later walked away from the scene carrying the gun.
Police said Cross had to be intubated and have his jaw sewed shut from a bullet wound. Despite his wounds, he was able to nod "yes" when officers showed him a photo of McCullon as the person who shot him.
West Palm Beach detectives were assisted by the Riviera Beach Police Department SWAT team in apprehending McCullon Monday night at his home.
Suspect was recently placed on administrative leave before shooting
The city of Riviera Beach sent a statement Wednesday that said days before the shooting, McCullon was placed on administrative leave with pay effective Oct. 24 due to his involvement in a verbal altercation.
During the encounter, McCullon was cited for using vulgar and abusive language, engaging in a verbal assault and issuing threats against a coworker, the city said in a statement. McCullon was placed on leave to allow for an outside agency to address and review the situation, the city said.
"This unfortunate incident has sent shockwaves through our city and community," Riviera Beach spokeswoman Serena Spates said.
McCullon remains in the Palm Beach County Jail with no bond and faces one count of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm.
Cross remains hospitalized in serious condition.
Read below the full statement from the city of Riviera Beach regarding the shooting and arrest:
On October 27, 2024, a tragic incident took place during a community Trunk-or-Treat event in Gaines Park, 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.
