Florida police officer killed; suspect in custody

TAMPA, Fla. Sun Dec 21, 2014 11:03am EST

(Reuters) - A Florida police officer was killed in a shooting early on Sunday, and a suspect was in custody, according to a sheriff's office and local media reports.

The shooting occurred in Tarpon Springs, about 30 miles northwest of Tampa, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said.


The sheriff's office did not immediately identify the slain officer or suspect, and did not give a motive. The Tampa Bay Times newspaper said the victim in the 3 a.m. EST shooting was a Tarpon Springs police officer.


The suspect was taken into custody after fleeing the shooting scene and crashing into a pole and another vehicle, the sheriff's office said in a release.


The Florida officer's death followed a Saturday afternoon shooting in New York City, where a gunman shot dead two police officers and then killed himself. Authorities said that shooter had indicated on social media that he might seek revenge for recent U.S. police killings of unarmed black men.


No further details were yet available.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/...0JZ0LH20141221