PORT ST. LUCIE – Sgt. Erik LaVasseur, 55, continues to improve from surgery on both eyes, injured during a shooting on Dec. 1 at the Tradition community in Port St. Lucie, according to an update released on Dec. 11 by Port St. Lucie Police.
On Dec. 9, surgeons successfully removed additional remains from a bullet discovered during evaluation. The bullet shrapnel was lodged deeper than initially expected, but the procedure went well, according to the update.
LaVasseur is awake, alert and remains at Trauma Intensive Care Unit at HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, police said.
Currently, LaVasseur is awaiting further consultation regarding potential reconstructive surgery on his face. His eyes have sustained significant trauma, and while he currently has no vision, doctors have said that it will take time, healing, and potential future procedures, including additional eye surgeries to better determine his long-term prognosis, according to police reports.
Medical staff have confirmed there are no concerns of brain damage and a tracheostomy remains in place in preparation for any additional surgeries that may be required.
LaVasseur, a 27-year veteran PSL police officer, was shot twice in the face at the 11000 block of Southwest Lake Park Drive, Port St. Lucie in the Town Park at Tradition gated community in Port St. Lucie on Dec. 1. The suspect, Frankie Salvatore Riccio, 32, who fired the shots which injured LaVasseur, was killed by gunfire from other officers.