Bodycam Shows Chase, Ambush that Left Fla. Police Officer Injured
Body camera footage from a Florida police officer in a chase Wednesday with a drive-by shooting suspect captures the terrifying moment when the teen opens fire as the officer turns the corner.
Lakeland Police Officer Jamie Smith suffered two broken bones when he was shot in his left foot by the 13-year-old boy, according to police. The teen was shot in the leg, thigh and stomach by other officers responding to the scene. Both were hospitalized and are expected to recover.
The incident happened after 5 p.m. when police responded to reports of a drive-by shooting. Smith spotted the apparent vehicle in the shooting, and a chase ensued.
During the pursuit, three occupants jumped from the car, which crashed into another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. Smith exited his cruiser and gave chase on foot after the 13-year-old, ordering him to stop and drop his weapon.
“As (Smith) rounded the corner of the building, the 13-year-old was waiting for him in a crouched position with a handgun aimed toward the officer and fired one round. ... The officer returned fire," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd at a press conference. "The officer was struck one time in the left foot.”
Despite being injured, Smith reloaded and kept up the pursuit. The teen hid in bushes, jumping out when other officers joined the chase.
“They engaged in another gun battle there," said Grady. "And in the second gun battle, the 13 year old is struck several times, goes down, the officers immediately render first aid to him and he is ultimately transported to Tampa General Hospital where he is being treated.”
