Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor confirmed a Lakeland Police officer was shot by a 13-year-old Wednesday evening.
According to police, officers received calls about a shooting around 5:15 p.m. near the 1600 block of Lincoln Avenue.
During a news conference, Lakeland Police Chief Taylor said police received information about a vehicle that was involved, and a Lakeland Police officer, Jamie Smith, found the vehicle and stopped it. The vehicle fled from Officer Smith, which led to a pursuit that ended on 10th Street.
According to police, three suspects, ages 13, 19, and 14, inside the vehicle then ran away from the vehicle, one of them carrying a handgun. During a press conference on Thursday, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said that all three were on probation and alleged that they are affiliated with a gang.
Officer Smith ran after the suspect with the handgun. The 13-year-old led Officer Smith on a chase through an apartment complex, where he rounded a corner and fired at least one round at Officer Smith as he came around.
Officer Smith fired back at the 13-year-old. Chief Taylor said Officer Smith was struck one time in the left foot, but he continued to run after the 13-year-old.
The 13-year-old hid in a bush and then Officer Smith and the teen engaged in more gunfire. During this exchange, the 13-year-old was struck several times.
Chief Taylor said officers provided medical aid to the 13-year-old at the scene before he was transferred to Tampa General Hospital.
Officer Smith was taken to Lakeland Regional for treatment. Chief Taylor said authorities expect Smith to be released sometime on Thursday.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating this incident.
Judd said the Sheriff’s Office will do the lead on the criminal investigation that will go to the State Attorney’s Office. The State Attorney’s Office will do an independent investigation. LPD will do an investigation and an administrative investigation.
Judd said he will push for the 13-year-old suspect to be charged as an adult in all criminal charges associated with Wednesday’s events.