PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The Port St. Lucie Police Department released body camera footage showing a shooting incident that left one officer wounded, WPBF reported.
The Dec. 1 incident began when a mother called 911 reporting that her son was abusing drugs, according to the report. When officers arrived on the scene, they immediately spotted the suspect armed with a weapon.
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As officers approached the residence, the suspect looked out from behind a garage door and fired shots, body camera video shows. Sgt. Erik LeVasseur was struck twice in the face.
After striking the officer, the suspect charged out of the residence, moving to fire shots at the remaining officers, who were taking cover behind a patrol car. The officers returned fire, fatally striking the suspect.
LeVasseur, a 27-year veteran, was initially placed in a medically induced coma before being taken to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, where trauma surgeons operated through the night to stabilize his injuries, Police Chief Leo Niemczyk said. His jaw was surgically repaired and wired shut, and a tracheostomy was placed to protect his airway amid significant swelling and facial trauma, according to the Sergeants Union.
Surgeons also identified shrapnel embedded in his retina, requiring transfer to a specialized trauma center for a high-risk procedure before he is expected to return to Lawnwood for continued care. Niemczyk said LeVasseur faces an extensive recovery that will include multiple surgeries and long-term rehabilitation.
On Dec. 4, the chief shared encouraging updates:
- LeVasseur is spending more time unsedated
- He is alert, communicating by writing notes and even making jokes to his wife and coworkers
- His recovery trajectory is improving, though his long-term eye function remains unknown
“We anticipate that he will make a very strong recovery, but we are still guarded and careful,” Niemczyk said. “We feel he’s out of the woods.”
The chief added that LeVasseur may be transferred within the next two days to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce to continue his recovery.
It remains unclear when — or if — LeVasseur will be able to return to duty, though Niemczyk said the department is “absolutely hopeful.”
Support Sgt. Erik Levasseur’s road to recovery
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support Sgt. Erik Levasseur as he continues his recovery. Donations will help with medical expenses, rehabilitation and ongoing needs for him and his family.
Donate to the GoFundMeThis article, originally published on Dec. 3, was updated on Dec. 4 with updates about Sgt. LeVasseur’s medical condition.
