Crime
Reports of officer shot and killed during a traffic stop in Charlotte County, Florida
A confrontation between law enforcement and the suspect reportedly occurred near Popeyes, with deputies engaging in a shootout.
Authorities in Charlotte County, Florida, are responding to reports of an officer-involved shooting that occurred late in the afternoon on Sandhill Boulevard in Port Charlotte.
Preliminary information indicates that a law enforcement officer was reportedly shot and killed during a traffic stop.
The incident unfolded just after 5:00 p.m. near an Applebee’s restaurant on Sandhill Boulevard.
Following the shooting, reports suggest the suspect fled the scene and was involved in additional altercations in the surrounding area, including near Popeye’s and RaceTrac on Kings Highway.
Law enforcement quickly established a large perimeter, extending from Sandhill Boulevard to Capricorn Boulevard and into the Deep Creek area.
One suspect is now in custody. Witnesses reported that the suspect initially shot a deputy near the Sunseeker
Resort before fleeing to the Sandhill Boulevard area, where a shootout with law enforcement occurred.
The suspect was critically injured and has been transported to Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers for treatment.
Emergency medical services (EMS) arrived at multiple locations within the crime scene to treat those involved.
While the details of their deployment to Applebee’s remain unclear, the response included efforts to assess injuries potentially caused by stray gunfire.
Significant road closures are in effect as part of the ongoing investigation:
- Sandhill Boulevard is closed from Applebee’s to Capricorn Boulevard.
- U.S. 41 Northbound Bridge into Port Charlotte has been closed, with traffic being diverted to Olympia Avenue and I-75.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office has yet to confirm specific details regarding the officer’s condition, the events leading up to the shooting, or the suspect’s motives.
Residents are advised to avoid the area as the situation remains fluid and investigators continue to work at multiple crime scenes.
Further updates, including confirmed information about the officer and the suspect, will be provided as authorities release additional details.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office or local Crime Stoppers.
Crime
1 dead, 2 critically injured after shooting on Dogwood Drive in Mullins
Community members said more officers are arriving on scene.
Mullins, SC – A tragic shooting in Mullins on Sunday night left one person dead and two others critically injured, prompting state authorities to step in and assist with the investigation.
Mullins Police Department responded to reports of gunfire in the 100 block of East Dogwood Avenue around 6:45 PM.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered one individual who had succumbed to their injuries.
Two other victims were critically injured and transported to nearby medical facilities for emergency treatment.
Due to the severity of the incident, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been called in to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have not released details about the victims, potential suspects, or the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Mullins Police Chief Phil Mostowski has not yet provided additional information, and the situation remains under active investigation.
Residents are urged to avoid the area as law enforcement continues to gather evidence. Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the Mullins Police Department or SLED immediately.