Crime
1 killed, multiple injured in South Laredo Shooting and Standoff, suspect in custody
UPDATE: 21-year-old Frida Castillo died.
LAREDO, TX – A violent standoff in the Cheyenne subdivision left multiple people critically wounded, including the alleged shooter, following an intense confrontation with law enforcement on Saturday afternoon.
The Laredo Police Department responded around 2 p.m. to reports of gunfire in the 3900 block of Bannock Lane, located off Bob Bullock Loop behind the City Hall Annex.
Upon arrival, officers heard shots being fired from a residence and immediately came under fire.
Police quickly took cover, alerted command staff, and established a perimeter while awaiting additional support.
Due to the severity of the situation, LPD’s SWAT team, crisis negotiators, and additional tactical units were deployed to the scene.
However, authorities stated that the suspect, a 27-year-old man, was actively shooting at officers, leaving no opportunity for negotiation.
Inside the residence, law enforcement determined that multiple individuals had been wounded.
Given the ongoing threat and the critical nature of the situation, SWAT officers made the decision to enter the home and confront the suspect.
Among the victims transported to Laredo Medical Center are 21-year-old Frida Castillo and 24-year-old Jorge Castillo, both listed in critical condition.
The suspect was also critically wounded, along with at least two other individuals who sustained gunshot injuries.
A large-scale investigation is now underway as authorities work to determine the motive behind the shooting and gather further details on the circumstances leading up to the incident.
Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
A community prayer chain has been requested for those injured.
Authorities urge residents to avoid speculation and allow investigators to conduct a thorough inquiry.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.