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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
LeVasseur was transported to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, where he remains in surgery.<\/p>\n
Police Chief Leo Niemczyk said he remains optimistic about the sergeant’s condition and will provide updates when LeVasseur comes out of surgery.<\/p>\n
“This is the notification that you dread every day,” Niemczyk said during a press conference outside the hospital.<\/p>\n
The entire incident occurred outside the house, according to police. Several shell casings were found at the scene.<\/p>\n
Other officers were transported out of an abundance of caution but were not injured.<\/p>\n
Law enforcement has secured the scene and is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Officials said there is no threat to the community.<\/p>\n
This is a developing story. Stay with WPTV for updates.<\/p>\n
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