VERO BEACH — A Colorado fugitive was hospitalized after a shooting at a Vero Beach intersection that involved three Indian River County sheriff’s deputies, a Martin County sheriff’s deputy and a U.S. marshal.
The incident happened at 8:29 p.m. at the intersection of 12th Street and Commerce Avenue, according to a news release from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Eric Flowers said the man fired first and officers returned fire.
The fugitive was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries but was expected to survive, the sheriff said. As he was being transported from the scene, he continued to direct vulgar and negative comments at deputies, Flowers added.
A U.S. marshal was hit by gunfire and hospitalized but was doing OK, Flowers said. Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, who also spoke at the news conference, said the marshal was shot in the leg, remained in good spirits and complained of chest pain that may have come from being struck by something else.
“Clearly, they were in a real gunfight out here tonight,” Budensiek said after viewing body-camera video. “It was a real-deal gunfight, going both ways.”
One Indian River County deputy suffered a minor leg injury, though Flowers said it was unclear if it was caused by shrapnel or something else.
All deputies involved were placed on paid administrative leave, Flowers said. The FBI and State Attorney’s Office were at the scene continuing the investigation, Budensiek said.
As of 8 a.m., 12th Street in Vero Beach remained closed between Commerce Avenue and Old Dixie Highway and was expected to stay closed for several more hours.
“We’re thankful it wasn’t worse than this,” Budensiek said. “This is a really bad guy they took down here with serious charges out of Colorado.”
The sheriff’s office said its Criminal Investigations Division is investigating along with the FBI. The names of everyone involved will be released later.
The sheriff’s office said its Criminal Investigations Division is investigating along with the FBI. The names of everyone involved will be released later.
The shooting is currently an active investigation.