PORT ST. LUCIE — A veteran police sergeant was shot twice in the face while responding to a mental health-related disturbance call in Port St. Lucie. He was struck near his nose and cheek; the bullets did not reach his spine.
Sgt. Erik LeVasseur, a 27-year member of the Port St. Lucie Police Department, was wounded Monday evening in the 11000 block of Southwest Lake Park Drive. Police Chief Leo Niemczyk said the shooting erupted within a minute of officers arriving at the scene, where they encountered an adult male suspect armed with what appeared to be an AK-47 assault rifle.
The suspect was killed in the ensuing confrontation, authorities said Tuesday.
The exchange of gunfire happened outside a home, leaving the suspect fatally wounded at the location, Niemczyk told reporters during a news conference outside the hospital where LeVasseur was being treated. Several shell casings were recovered from the scene.
LeVasseur was rushed to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in nearby Fort Pierce and underwent surgery late Monday. He is currently in the intensive care unit on a respirator in serious condition.
Six officers responded to the call in the Town Park Community of Tradition. They were all checked out as a precaution, but no other injuries were reported.
The area is now secure, with an investigation in progress. Officials stressed that the public is not in danger.
