PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — A Port St. Lucie Police officer was shot in the face on Monday night, according to the Port St. Lucie Police Chief Leo Niemczyk.

During a news conference, Police Chief Niemczyk said that a little after 6 p.m., six officers responded to a home in the Town Park community in Tradition for a call for service. Police believe the call stemmed from a neighbor dispute that also involved a mental-health component.

Police say upon the officers arrival they were met by the suspect, an adult male, who was holding what appeared to be an AK-47 assault fire. Shots were fired almost immediately, resulting in Sgt. Erik Levasseur being shot in the face and the suspect being shot and killed at the scene. It remains unclear who fired first.

Following the shooting, Sgt. Levasseur was taken to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital. At this time, Sgt. Levasseur is in surgery and Chief Niemczyk says that they are very optimistic about his prognosis.

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“It’s the notification that you just dread everyday, but it’s always in the back of your mind as a police chief and as a leader in law enforcement. It’s something that you’re always very aware of, afraid of, concerned for and then it happens,” Chief Niemczyk says.

Police say Sgt. Levasseur is a 27 year veteran and is a supervisor on the road patrol unit.

At this time the shooting is still under investigation, police say.

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