A Port St. Lucie police sergeant was shot in the face Monday evening while responding to a service call connected to what authorities say was a dispute involving mental health issues, as reported by Fox News.
Polk County Sheriff's Office
The suspect was killed after exchanging gunfire with officers.
URGENT PRAYERS NEEDED FOR SGT ERIK LEVASSEUR
Around 6:08 PM on December 1st, PSLPD officers responded to a disturbance in the Tradition Town Park community. When they arrived, they were immediately met by an armed suspect with a rifle. Despite repeated commands from… pic.twitter.com/MdJasV9jSO— Serenity (@polishprincessh) December 3, 2025
Police Chief Leo Niemczyk said six officers arrived around 6 p.m. at a home on the 11000 block of SW Lake Park Drive. According to Niemczyk, less than a minute after they approached the residence, an adult male armed with an assault rifle appeared outside and opened fire. Officers returned fire, killing the suspect at the scene.
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Niemczyk identified the injured officer as Sgt. Erik LeVasseur, a 27-year veteran of the Port St. Lucie Police Department. No other officers were hurt.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. LeVasseur, his family, and our brothers and sisters at Port St. Lucie Police Department as he continues to receive care following this tragic officer-involved shooting. This is a sad reminder of the uncertainty officers face every time they… pic.twitter.com/nxs2DB2ww5
— PBSO (@PBCountySheriff) December 2, 2025
Though the investigation remains in its early stages, Niemczyk said the incident stemmed from a situation involving neighbors and a mental health-related call.
“It’s the notification that you just dread every day, but it’s always in the back of your mind, as a police chief, as a leader in law enforcement. It’s something that you’re always very aware of, afraid of, concerned for, and then it happens,” Niemczyk said.
Sgt. LeVasseur was transported to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, where he underwent surgery Monday night.
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“We’re very optimistic for his prognosis. And at this time, we’re just asking for prayers,” Niemczyk added.
Port St. Lucie, Florida: 27-yr veteran Sgt. Erik LeVasseur shot in face during mental health neighbor dispute at Town Park near I-95. #shootingArmed w/ AK-47 suspect killed; LeVasseur in surgery at HCA Lawnwood Hosp. Chief optimistic. No threat. 6 officers responded, 5… https://t.co/iowgazBHkd pic.twitter.com/CTKE1CfCXO
— GeoTechWar (@geotechwar) December 2, 2025
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Port St. Lucie Police Department are continuing to investigate the shooting.
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