Man charged after shooting outside Port St. Lucie Pollo Tropical
Police say surveillance video and witness statements showed the wounded man was armed with a knife and was the primary aggressor in the confrontation
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. —
A 37-year-old man who was shot during a confrontation outside a Pollo Tropical in Port St. Lucie is now facing charges after investigators determined he was the primary aggressor in the encounter, according to police.
The Port St. Lucie Police Department said officers responded around 3:43 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, to the restaurant at 1365 NW St. Lucie West Boulevard after receiving reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they found Christopher Harris, 37, suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper torso. He was flown to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, where his injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening, police said.
The other person involved, identified by police as Isaiah Davis, 25, was detained at the scene while detectives investigated. Officers also recovered a firearm.
According to investigators, the encounter began after Harris and Davis had an interaction in the restaurant’s parking lot. Police said surveillance video showed Davis entering the restaurant to pick up a food delivery order and Harris following him inside, despite Harris not appearing to place or pick up an order.
Police said Harris then followed Davis back outside, where exterior surveillance video showed Harris pushing Davis and advancing toward him as Davis moved backward. Investigators said Harris was armed with a knife during the confrontation, and witnesses reported seeing him with a knife shortly before the shooting.
Davis fired one round, striking Harris in the chest, according to police. Harris went back inside the restaurant, where people began providing aid and called 911.
Investigators said one knife was recovered after it had been removed from Harris’ waistband while people were helping him. Police said another knife was later found in his front pocket.
After reviewing surveillance video, physical evidence and witness statements, detectives determined Harris was the primary aggressor and established probable cause to charge him with attempted aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and felony battery based on a prior battery conviction, according to the department.
Because Harris remained hospitalized, police said an arrest affidavit was submitted to the St. Lucie County Jail. He is expected to be booked into the jail after he is medically released.
Police said no criminal charges are currently pending against Davis.
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