Three Indian River County sheriff’s deputies, a Martin County sheriff’s deputy and a U.S. marshal were involved in a Vero Beach shooting on the night of March 2, law enforcement officials said.
The team was attempting to apprehend a man who had a warrant out of Colorado about 8:30 p.m. at 12th Street and Commerce Avenue, said Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers at a news conference at the scene.
As the team went to take the man into custody, Flowers said, he fired shots and the team returned fire.
The man was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, but Flowers said he was expected to survive.
“As he left the scene,” Flowers said, “he was still being very vulgar and negative toward our folks.”
The marshal was struck by gunfire and was taken to the hospital, but Flowers said he was doing OK.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, who also was at the news conference, said the marshal was shot in the leg but was in good spirits.
Budensiek noted the marshal does have pain in his chest possibly from being hit by something.
“Clearly, they were in a real gunfight out here tonight,” said Budensiek after reviewing body cameras. “It was a real-deal gunfight, going both ways.”
One of the Indian River County sheriff’s deputies sustained a minor leg injury, but Flowers didn’t know if it was from shrapnel or something else.
The sheriff’s deputies involved would be on paid administrative leave, Flowers said. The FBI and State Attorney’s Office were on the scene as the investigation continued, Budensiek said.
More details were expected to be released in the afternoon of March 3.
Meanwhile, 12th Street remained closed between Commerce Avenue and Old Dixie Highway before it reopened by 11 a.m. March 3.
“We’re thankful it wasn’t worse than this,” Budensiek said. “This is a really bad guy they took down here (with) serious charges out of Colorado.”
No other information was available, including the name of and charges for the Coloradoan.
(This story was updated with photos and video.)
Laurie K. Blandford is a breaking news reporter with TCPalm. Email her at laurie.blandford@tcpalm.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida deputies, U.S. marshal involved in Vero Beach shooting
Reporting by Laurie K. Blandford, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
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