Crime
Charles McCloud Jr killed after trying to run over deputy investigating double murder
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.
Crime
Jessica Moore, 36, Killed in Seven-Vehicle Crash on I-81 in Pennsylvania; Truck Driver Faces Homicide Charge
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — Jessica Moore, 36, of Newville, Pennsylvania, died in a fiery seven-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 in Cumberland County on Friday morning. Pennsylvania State Police said a truck driver is expected to face a homicide by motor vehicle charge in connection with the collision.
Investigators said the crash occurred on northbound I-81 near mile marker 47.1 in South Middleton Township. The collision involved a tractor-trailer and six other vehicles, leaving two vehicles on fire and several people injured.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, David Rodis Lynn III, of Round Rock, Texas, failed to stop for slowing traffic on northbound I-81. His tractor-trailer struck another vehicle, triggering a chain-reaction crash involving seven vehicles.
The impact caused the tractor-trailer and another vehicle to catch fire. Moore died at the scene, according to the information released about the crash. Her official cause of death remained pending an autopsy scheduled for Tuesday.
Authorities reported that occupants of other vehicles suffered injuries. Emergency responders transported the injured individuals to Holy Spirit Hospital and UPMC Carlisle for treatment. Officials did not provide further details about the number of people injured or the severity of their injuries.
The fatal collision occurred after an earlier incident on the same stretch of northbound I-81. At approximately 5 a.m., another tractor-trailer overturned, prompting road closures in the area.
The earlier crash disrupted traffic before the seven-vehicle collision occurred later that morning. Authorities have not provided further details about whether the initial incident directly contributed to the fatal crash.
Lynn is expected to face a charge of homicide by motor vehicle. However, he had not been arraigned on the anticipated charge at the time of the report.
The investigation into the deadly crash remains ongoing. Pennsylvania State Police are asking anyone with information about the collision to contact the agency’s Carlisle station.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances surrounding Moore’s death as investigators continue to examine