FORT PIERCE, Fla. — The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating a Sunday morning shooting that left a burglary suspect dead and a Fort Pierce officer hurt.
According to a news release, Fort Pierce officers responded shortly before 6 a.m. to 1166 Bayshore Drive after receiving a 911 call of an armed burglary in process.
Robert Smith, who lives next door to the scene, said he woke up to the gunfire.
"I heard, bang bang bang ... bang bang," stated Smith. "I guess you'd call it a shock, super surprised."
Police said three officers pushed a door open and began giving announcements to anyone inside the residence. Police said a male appeared and pointed a weapon at the officers, forcing police to fire their weapons.
A Fort Pierce police officer was shot while responding to an armed burglary on Hutchinson Island this morning. pic.twitter.com/lehg1TYjQE
— Zitlali Solache (@zitlalisolache) July 29, 2024
"We fish every Saturday and Sunday right here. I threw the rod in for the first time about 6 a.m., and just heard a round of shots going off like firecrackers," resident Melody Jones said.
One officer and the unidentified suspect sustained gunshot wounds. The suspect died of his injuries after being taken to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital.
The officer is being treated for a non-life-threatening injury and is in stable condition.
Smith and Jones said they know the people who live in the house where the gunfire occurred.
“I know the guy, met him a couple of times, really nice guy," Jones said. "I spoke to him a few times. Just very nice, kind of quiet. He would sit outside sometimes on his patio, and he would always wave and talk."
Other neighbors want more answers and call the burglary strange.
The three officers involved in the case are on paid administrative leave as the investigation continues.
