Florida Officer: 'I Was Not Going To Die'

COCOA, Fla. --

A law enforcement officer who is still recovering from being shot six times last week spoke at a news conference Thursday morning.

Fish and Wildlife officer Vann Streety spoke about the night of July 15 when he was out patrolling for trespassers on rural property in Cocoa. Streety, 43, pulled a man over, who responded by shooting at him repeatedly, even as he retreated, authorities said.

"I was not going to die on that dirt road that day," Streety said. "I have too many people to take care of. I have too many people that love me, and I wasn't going to be found that way. That's why I'm here today, between God and a few of his angels, and my sheer determination to survive, that man did not kill me, although he certainly tried."

Authorities said the gunman was Christopher Eddy, 23, who admitted on camera to shooting Streety.

"Why did I shoot him? Because I felt my freedom was being violated," Eddy said when he was arrested.

Streety's doctor said the officer is lucky to be alive. He was saved by a bullet proof vest and a commemorative coin he kept in his wallet, which was struck by a bullet.

Streety said he cannot understand why someone would try to kill him, but he credits fellow law enforcement officers' quick response for saving his life.

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