By Paola Iuspa
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - A West Palm Beach police officer fatally shot a man after the officer was unable to subdue his assailant Saturday night, according to the West Palm Beach Police.
The officer was called to Briar Bay, a gated community east of Jog Road and north of Okeechobee Boulevard, at around 10:30 p.m. Neighbors complained a male in his 20s was trying to pull open windows and doors to enter homes to get food and some sleep, said West Palm Beach Lt. Charles Reed.
The officer who responded to the scene approached the suspect, who grabbed a garden statue and hit the officer in the head, Reed said.
Witnesses said the fight went on for 10 minutes until the officer freed himself from the man and unsuccessfully try to restrain the attacker with pepper spray, Reed said. The man tried to hit the officer again when the officer drew his gun and fired, he said.
With at least one wound on his upper body, the suspect died at the scene.
An autopsy is under way on the deceased, whose name is being withheld until his family is notified.
The officer was taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center with lacerations to his head and face. He was released Sunday morning. Police won’t release his name until he speaks with his family, Reed said.
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