LAKELAND, Fla. — Three teens are in custody in connection to the shooting of a Lakeland Police officer.
Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor confirmed a Lakeland Police officer was shot by a 13-year-old Wednesday evening.
According to police, officers received calls about a shooting around 5:15 p.m. near the 1600 block of Lincoln Avenue.
During a news conference, Lakeland Police Chief Taylor said police received information about a vehicle that was involved, and a Lakeland Police officer, Jamie Smith, found the vehicle and stopped it. The vehicle fled from Officer Smith, which led to a short pursuit that ended on 10th Street.
According to police, three suspects were inside the vehicle, ages 13, 14 and Jermaine Julian,19. The vehicle was left in motion as they fled on foot. The car sideswiped an oncoming vehicle before coming to a stop.
Officer Smith ran after the suspect with the handgun. The 13-year-old led Officer Smith on a chase through an apartment complex, where he rounded a corner and fired at least one round at Officer Smith as he came around.
Investigators said Officer Smith was struck one time in the left foot, but he continued to run after the 13-year-old.
"They’re trying to kill cops who are trying to stop them from killing people in the neighborhood. We got a 13 and a 14-year-old with a gun trying to shoot people up in a neighborhood,” said Polk County Sheriff, Grady Judd.
The 13-year-old hid in a bush and as he attempted to flee again Officer Smith shoots him three times.
Chief Taylor said officers provided medical aid to the 13-year-old at the scene before he was transferred to Tampa General Hospital.
Officer Smith was taken to Lakeland Regional for treatment. Chief Taylor said authorities expect Smith to be released sometime on Thursday.
During a press conference on Thursday, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said that all three were on probation and alleged that they are affiliated with a gang. Investigators recovered two handguns, which were stolen.
“They break into cars, open car doors and take guns. So when you leave your gun in the car, they’re stealing it and then shooting up neighborhoods,” said Judd.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating this incident.
