Florida Trooper Shot in the Face Recovering

Jan. 2, 2014
Trooper Lawrence Andrew Litzell returned fire, killing that suspect during the shootout on Dec. 28.

A Florida Highway Patrol trooper who was wounded in a shootout over the weekend is recovering.

Trooper Lawrence Andrew Litzell was shot in the face during confrontation off the St. Johns River near downtown Palatka around 12:45 a.m. Saturday, according to The Gainesville Sun.

Officials said that Litzell was able to return fire, fatally wounding suspect Somourian Jamal Wingo.

The 11-year veteran was flown to the intensive care unit at UF Health Shands Hospital where he is making steady progress.

Litzell had pulled over a Mercury Grand Marquis in a parking lot near when Wingo and another man exited the vehicle and began running.

The trooper chased the men before being shot.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said it is actively pursuing the second suspect involved in the shooting.

Officer.com will provide more information on this story as it becomes available.

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