A 27-year veteran Port St. Lucie police sergeant was shot in the face during a mental health-related neighbor dispute on Monday and remains in surgery at a local hospital.
Sergeant Erik LeVasseur was among six officers who responded to the 11000 block of SW Lake Park Drive for what police described as a neighbor dispute involving mental health issues. The shooting began within a minute of officers arriving on scene.
Police said an adult male suspect was holding what appears to have been an AK-47 assault rifle outside a house when the confrontation occurred. The suspect was fatally wounded and remains on scene.
LeVasseur was transported to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, where he remains in surgery.
Police Chief Leo Niemczyk said he remains optimistic about the sergeant’s condition and will provide updates when LeVasseur comes out of surgery.
“This is the notification that you dread every day,” Niemczyk said during a press conference outside the hospital.
The entire incident occurred outside the house, according to police. Several shell casings were found at the scene.
Other officers were transported out of an abundance of caution but were not injured.
Law enforcement has secured the scene and is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Officials said there is no threat to the community.
This is a developing story. Stay with WPTV for updates.
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