Dade City police officer struck by fleeing suspect

DADE CITY (FOX 13) - A Dade City police officer was struck by a vehicle driven by a fleeing suspect Saturday night, officials said.

The incident happened around 10 p.m. on State Street, where Officer Kevin Burns was investigating a vehicle that was believed to have been involved in a drug transaction. 

State Street in Dad City has been home for Syliva Camelien for a long time. 

"I'm nosey, ain't ashamed to say it," said Camelien. "I was just sitting there watching television, all the sudden there's boom, boom, boom."

Burns called for backup before approaching the car, and Officer Miguel Velez arrived shortly after.

Investigators said while Burns was walking towards the vehicle, the driver suddenly accelerated, hitting him. Velez then used his gun to open fire on the car as it fled the area. 

"We thought he was dead the way he was laying there," said Camelien. 

Officer Burns was taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition. He is expected to recover. 

The suspect vehicle is described as a light-color 2018 Nissan sedan with license plate 770-YRV. There will also be damage to the front driver's side and possibly shattered glass in parts of the car. Police said the car is owned by Hertz and was reported stolen in Tampa in early November.

Investigators are asking for the public's help to find 19-year-old Devyne Fields who they say might have information about the case. 

"Through our investigation, were led to believe that he has been at some point in the last couple weeks in possession of that vehicle," said Pasco County Sheriffs Captain Chris Beaman.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Pasco Sheriff's Office.