Port St. Lucie police officer shot in face, suspect killed in shooting

Authorities, Port St. A police officer in St. Lucie was shot in the face while responding to a call for service Monday evening, police said.

Six officers arrived at the home from which the call originated in the 11000 block of SW Lake Park Drive around 6 p.m.

Within a minute of their arrival, officers were met outside the home by an adult male armed with an assault rifle. Police Chief Leo Niemczyk said the suspect exchanged gunfire with officers and was shot and killed.

Niemczyk identified the injured officer as Sgt. Erik LeVasseur is a 27-year veteran of the department. None of the other officers who responded to the home were injured, Niemczyk said.

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Although details are still preliminary, Niemczyk said the incident stemmed from a neighbor dispute over a mental health call.

A Port St. Lucie, Florida, police cruiser. (X/@PSLPolice)

“It’s a notification that you dread every day, but it’s always in the back of your mind as a police chief, as a leader in law enforcement. It’s something you’re always aware of, afraid of, concerned about, and then it happens,” Niemczyk said.

Police officers in Port St. Lucie is at the scene in the 11000 block of SW Lake Park Drive in Florida. (WPTV)

Sergeant. LeVasseur was taken to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce and remains in surgery.

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“We’re pretty optimistic about his treatment. And we’re just asking for prayers right now,” Niemczyk said.

An investigation is ongoing.