Crime
Officer shot and killed during a traffic stop in Charlotte County, Florida
Authorities in Charlotte County, Florida, are responding to reports of an officer-involved shooting that occurred late in the afternoon on Sandhill Boulevard in Port Charlotte.
Preliminary information indicates that a law enforcement officer was reportedly shot and killed during a traffic stop.
The incident unfolded just after 5:00 p.m. near an Applebee’s restaurant on Sandhill Boulevard.
Following the shooting, reports suggest the suspect fled the scene and was involved in additional altercations in the surrounding area, including near Popeye’s and RaceTrac on Kings Highway.
Law enforcement quickly established a large perimeter, extending from Sandhill Boulevard to Capricorn Boulevard and into the Deep Creek area.
One suspect is now in custody. Witnesses reported that the suspect initially shot a deputy near the Sunseeker
Resort before fleeing to the Sandhill Boulevard area, where a shootout with law enforcement occurred.
The suspect was critically injured and has been transported to Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers for treatment.
Emergency medical services (EMS) arrived at multiple locations within the crime scene to treat those involved.
While the details of their deployment to Applebee’s remain unclear, the response included efforts to assess injuries potentially caused by stray gunfire.
Significant road closures are in effect as part of the ongoing investigation:
- Sandhill Boulevard is closed from Applebee’s to Capricorn Boulevard.
- U.S. 41 Northbound Bridge into Port Charlotte has been closed, with traffic being diverted to Olympia Avenue and I-75.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office has yet to confirm specific details regarding the officer’s condition, the events leading up to the shooting, or the suspect’s motives.
Residents are advised to avoid the area as the situation remains fluid and investigators continue to work at multiple crime scenes.
Further updates, including confirmed information about the officer and the suspect, will be provided as authorities release additional details.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office or local Crime Stoppers.
Crime
Two Dead, Two Injured in Marion Shooting; Authorities Identify One Victim as 16-Year-Old Kaiden Allen
MARION, S.C. — Two individuals were killed and two others wounded in a shooting that occurred Thursday night in Marion, prompting a large multi-agency response, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched to the scene on Tubello Court following reports of gunfire at approximately 7:21 p.m.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered four individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. As of 9:00 p.m., two of the victims were confirmed deceased.
One of the deceased has been identified as 16-year-old Kaiden Allen.
The crime scene remained active late into the night, with updates confirming that it was still being processed as of 10:22 p.m.
A coordinated response involved personnel from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, its K-9 Unit, the Marion and Mullins Police Departments, federal law enforcement agencies, and agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Authorities have not yet released the identities or conditions of the two surviving victims.
Investigators have also not commented on a potential motive or whether any suspects have been identified or taken into custody.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward by calling 843-423-8399. The investigation remains ongoing.