LAKELAND, Fla. - A Lakeland police officer is recovering in the hospital after he was shot by a 13-year-old suspect, who was also shot several times by another officer, authorities said.
Officials with the Lakeland Police Department and Polk County Sheriff's Office swarmed Lincoln Avenue Wednesday afternoon, but investigators said it all started with a drive-by shooting at Simpson Park.Polk Sheriff Grady Judd and Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor said Officer Jamie Smith heard a shot fired at the park while he was investigating a separate call in the area at around 5:15 p.m.
He was able to find and pursue the suspect's vehicle, a Dodge Avenger, and tried to stop it. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor provided an update on an officer-involved shooting that happened on Lincoln Avenue Wednesday afternoon.
They said a Lakeland police officer was shot in the foot by a 13-year-old suspect. That teen was later shot, and both were taken to the hospital.READ: Polk deputies: Mulberry driver who caused double-fatal crash was illegally in the U.S.The vehicle didn't stop after the officers' attempts, but Chief Taylor said the chase eventually ended on 10th Street, near an apartment complex.