A police officer in Florida was shot while responding to a domestic violence call late Sunday night just before midnight.
The Orlando officer rushed to Westbrook Apartments on Eaglesmere Drive, Police Chief John Mina said.
He was shot and underwent surgery at a nearby hospital.
“It is a very serious, significant injury,” Mina said at a press conference, reported the Orlando Sentinel. “He is expected to survive.”
The officer exchanged gunfire with the suspect while trying to arrest him but was shot during the exchange. It’s not known if the suspect was hit.
Judy Pepper, 44, who lives at the complex, said she had fallen asleep on her couch when she was woken up by gunshots. She looked out her window and saw three people carrying the wounded officer onto the grass, where they cut open his shirt and put bandages on his neck before putting him in a patrol car and speeding away.
Sending our community’s support and prayers to the @OrlandoPolice officer shot late last night. We appreciate our first responders who risk their lives each day to keep us safe.
— Mayor Buddy Dyer (@orlandomayor) June 11, 2018
Just spoke with @ChiefJohnMina about the terrible situation in Orlando, with one officer shot & wounded. FL’s brave LEO put themselves in danger everyday to protect us. We are monitoring this and praying for the safety of all involved & the quick recovery of the wounded officer.
— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) June 11, 2018
A suspect is barricaded in an apartment with four children being held as hostages.
“Our main concern right now is the safety of the children in that apartment,” Mina said.
The children are aged 1, 7, 10, and 12.
It’s not clear if all of them are children of the suspect.
Some of the residents of Westbrook Apartments have been evacuated from apartments near the home of the suspect, reported WESH-TV. A witness said soon after the gunshots officers went door-to-door ordering them to grab what they could and evacuate.
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