WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Polk County officials are investigating after an officer had shots fired in his direction.
Police said at approximately 2:45 a.m. on Sunday, officers responded to a disturbance that reportedly involved individuals with firearms in the 200 block of Ave. P NW.
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A K9 officer turned his agency vehicle onto the street and observed multiple vehicles blocking the roadway and parked close by.
As he was walking on foot toward the disturbance, he saw several people run south on 3rd Street. As the officer turned the corner, gunshots rang out and the officer saw 4-5 muzzle flashes facing his direction.
The officer drew his firearm and attempted to find where the shots were coming from. He then saw several people get into a black Nissan from where the gunshots appeared to be coming from.
The officer yelled commands for the occupants to exit the vehicle, however, the vehicle started traveling toward the officer.
As the Nissan drove toward additional officers, the vehicle crashed into some trees becoming airborne at the intersection of Quentin Ave. and Unity Way.
Jamari Hampton, 19, fled the driver's side of the vehicle.
With help from the Polk County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit, Hampton was located a short distance away and was taken into custody without further incident.
It was later discovered that Hampton was released from prison in December 2019 and was on probation.
This investigation is ongoing.
