DEPUTY SHOOTING: Suspect Killed After Shooting At Deputies

Suspect Shoots Deputy, Bullet Grazes Head. Deputies Return Fire, Killing Suspect.

Update

From BSO:

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating a deadly deputy-involved shooting after a suspect fired at deputies early Saturday morning.

At approximately 7:39 a.m., on Saturday, July 23, Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call in the 1700 block of South State Road 7 in North Lauderdale. When deputies encountered the suspect, Mervel Jones Jr., they attempted to speak with him and deescalate the situation. That’s when Jones produced a firearm and immediately fired at deputies, grazing one of the deputies in the head. Deputies returned fire, striking him. The suspect was transported to Broward Health Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. The deputy who was struck was also transported to an area hospital and is expected to recover.

“Fortunately, the subject did not kill one of our deputies. A millimeter to the left on the deputy’s head and this would have been a very different day. We are talking about a 20-year veteran deputy whose life would have been taken. Thankfully, that was not the case,” Sheriff Gregory Tony said.

BSO’s Homicide Unit detectives, Crime Scene Unit investigators and Internal Affairs investigators responded to the scene. FDLE is the lead investigating agency, and per BSO policy, the deputies who fired their guns were placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.

Originally reported by Boca Post

NORTH LAUDERDALE, FL – Boca Post (BocaPost.com) — BSO deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call where they wound up in a gun battle with a suspect this morning.

From Broward Sheriff’s Office:

Shortly before 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 23, Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call in the 1700 block of South State Road 7 in North Lauderdale.

When deputies made contact with the adult male subject, the subject produced a firearm and fired at deputies, grazing one of the deputies in the head. Deputies returned fire striking the male subject.

The subject was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The deputy who was struck was also transported to an area hospital and is expected to recover.

BSO’s Homicide Unit detectives, Crime Scene Unit investigators, and Internal Affairs investigators responded to the scene. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the deputy-involved shooting. Motorists are urged to avoid the area of South State Road 7 between Southwest 17th Street and Bailey Road.