PORT ST. LUCIE – Sgt. Erik LaVasseur, recovering at HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce from surgery to both eyes, is expected to be transferred soon to a rehabilitation facility, Port St. Lucie Police confirmed on Dec. 15.
“He will continue to be monitored and evaluated as he progresses through the next phase of recovery and treatment,” Officer Brandon Martinez wrote in a press release. “The location of the rehabilitation center will not be released due to privacy considerations.”
LaVasseur, a 27-year veteran of Port St. Lucie Police, underwent surgery Dec. 3 following an incident where he was shot twice in the face at Tradition on Dec. 1.
Following the surgery at a trauma center at an undisclosed location, he was escorted back by a contingent of law enforcement agencies, including Port St. Lucie Police; St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office; Florida Highway Patrol; Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office; Broward County Sheriff’s Office; and Martin County Sheriff’s Office, to Lawnwood on Dec. 5.
LaVasseur, 55, was shot on Dec. 1 by Frankie Salvatore Riccio, 32, a Tradition resident, who subsequently was killed by gunfire from four Port St. Lucie police officers.
Chief Leo Niemczyk said at a press conference on Dec. 4 that he was very encouraged by LaVasseur’s progress following the surgery.
“The department remains encouraged by his progress and is grateful for the ongoing support, prayers, and well-wishes from the community, partner agencies, and law enforcement family,” Martinez wrote in the press release.