Fort Pierce, Florida – Authorities in Fort Pierce, Florida are investigating a fatal incident involving an exchange of gunfire between a man and three police officers. The individual, identified as Bernard Smith, 28, was suspected of being involved in a recent vehicle theft before the deadly confrontation on Saturday. The Fort Pierce Police Department (FPPD) revealed that the officers responded to reports of a shooting and an automobile theft in the area.
During a news conference, Major Michael Santiago noted the complexity and rapid nature of the events that unfolded on Saturday. Following 911 calls reporting a shooting and the theft of a vehicle, officers found the stolen vehicle in close proximity to the shooting location. As they moved toward the gunfire, the officers encountered Smith, who was confirmed to be the individual responsible for the shots fired. An exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in Smith’s death.
In the course of their investigation, authorities are exploring potential links between Smith and three other shooting incidents in which two individuals were fatally wounded and another was critically injured. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office also joined the investigation, discovering two additional shooting victims who had succumbed to their injuries.
The victims were identified as Roosevelt Benjamin, 59, and Deven Bradley, 24, the latter being an employee of the IT Department within the Fort Pierce Police Department. The third individual was transported to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital for treatment. While it remains unclear whether Smith was involved in the other shootings, authorities have noted his criminal history and are investigating the circumstances surrounding all four incidents.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has taken over the investigation into Smith’s death, with the involved officers placed on administrative leave as per protocol. The FPPD continues to probe the shootings involving the other victims, seeking to unravel the motives behind the tragic events. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are focused on piecing together the sequence of events leading to the fatal exchange of gunfire in Fort Pierce.