Authorities in Fort Pierce, Florida, are investigating a series of incidents that culminated in an officer-involved shooting, leaving a total of three people dead. The Fort Pierce Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are working together to unravel the events that transpired on Saturday.
Initial Call and Discovery
The incident began with a call to the police about a man who had been shot near North 24th Street and Avenue O. Upon arrival, officers were immediately faced with gunfire.
Pursuit and Fatal Confrontation
Following the sounds of gunshots, officers encountered 28-year-old Bernard Smith in the 1600 block of North 25th Street. The confrontation ended in an officer-involved shooting, resulting in Smith’s death. Maj. Mike Santiago of the Fort Pierce Police Department confirmed that officers engaged with Smith after tracking the gunfire to his location.
Additional Victims Discovered
While canvassing the area, investigators found two additional dead bodies in separate homes near North 24th Street and Avenue P. This brought the total number of victims to four, with three confirmed fatalities. Santiago noted the gravity of the situation, stating, “What we’re looking at right now is four victims, three of which have since passed away.”
Eyewitness Accounts
A resident of 24th Street, who identified himself only as John, described the chaotic scene as resembling a gun range. “We hear four shots first and then, next thing you know, there’s a boy come running by here, guy come running by here, and then you hear four more shots, like the police (are) chasing,” John recounted. He expressed uncertainty over who was responsible for the shooting.
One of the victims was John’s neighbor, a young man who had recently lost his mother and was living alone. John remarked on his neighbor’s promising future, reflecting on the tragedy of his untimely death.
Investigation and Community Impact
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the officer-involved shooting, while the Fort Pierce Police Department is handling the investigation into the other deaths. Authorities are currently working to determine the motive behind the crimes and whether the incidents are connected.
Residents in the area have been left shaken by the violence, with a heavy police presence still visible as investigations continue. The community is awaiting further updates as law enforcement pieces together the sequence of events that led to the tragic loss of life.
