PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Saturday afternoon was met with heavy police activity at Northwest Marion Avenue and Northwest Bayshore Boulevard in Port St. Lucie.
A Port St. Lucie man that police said had a propane tank and a lighter was shot and killed by police in his home. Authorities still haven't released the suspect's name or age.
Police said they responded to a "volatile domestic violence situation" just after 3 p.m.
The suspect's wife and two small children were also inside the house.
Officers reportedly entered the home and found the suspect barricaded in the garage with his wife. Police said she was tied up with zip ties around her hands and neck.
Police said the man was holding a lighter and a propane tank that was leaking fuel when officers shot him.
WPTV reporter Cassandra Garcia spoke with a resident who lives just down the road. He said he was asked to evacuate for about an hour and a half.
"It's scary," resident Lascelles Peart said. "I wouldn’t expect to hear that in such a quiet community. That was definitely surprising, but I’m glad they were able to handle the situation professionally and get it taken care of."
Assistant Police Chief Leo Niemczyk explained that officers had to act quickly.
"We needed to have the fire department there because there was more than one gas canister and it appeared his intention was to ignite the home," Niemczyk said.
No one else was injured, but three officers were taken to the hospital as a precaution.
As of right now, police said the shooting appears to be justified.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has taken over the investigation.
Police are expected to share more details on the incident on Monday. Stay with WPTV.com and WPTV News for the latest details.
