Man who shot at FHP troopers is fatally struck by return fire, FHP says
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper shot and killed a 33-year-old man Tuesday night after the man failed to pull over for a traffic stop, led the trooper on a chase, crashed into another car and then began firing at troopers, the FHP said.
Steve Gilbert of Pompano Beach was killed in the incident, which began on Interstate 95 near Delray Beach before 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
According to the FHP, the trooper “attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driving recklessly on Interstate 95, near Delray Beach.”
“The vehicle failed to stop, resulting in a short vehicle pursuit,” the FHP news release said. “The reckless vehicle crashed into another vehicle and the subject exited his vehicle, firing shots at the responding troopers.”
A trooper fired back and fatally struck Gilbert. The FHP said a rifle and handgun were recovered, and the car Gilbert was driving was later found to have been stolen.
The trooper, who has not been identified, has been placed on administrative leave pursuant to the department’s policy.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting.
