Sarasota officer fires on driver

SARASOTA (FOX 13) - Two officers were injured following a shooting at a Sarasota apartment.

Early Tuesday morning, officers with the Sarasota Police Department saw a vehicle with three men inside in the parking lot of Janie's Apartment Complex.

Sarasota Police say Officer Brandon Vermillion and Officer Jonathan Torres were patrolling the area when they came across the SUV. 

"It was 1 in the morning in the middle of a parking lot, with the engine running, the officers just approached it to see what was going on inside," said Chief Bernadette DiPino. 

Behind the wheel was 18-year-old Jeremy Trebbles Jr. 

From there, something went wrong. 

When they approached the driver's side, the vehicle accelerated, according to Chief Bernadette DiPino. 

Chief Bernadette DiPino said Officer Vermillion drew his gun and shot multiple rounds at the SUV as it sped away.

"He felt like his life was in danger and he then defended himself," she said. 

Trebbles was shot in the shoulder and another person in the car was injured. 

Trebbles ran over the officer's foot, but sped away and ended up at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. 

"We are facing some pretty serious things that are happening in our community and I am really concerned about the level of violence that is going on within our community," said Chief DiPino. 

Trebbles, a former cornerback on the Venice High School football championship team now faces a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer. 

Last January, he was arrested for possession of cocaine with intent to sell. 

"You just think that would never happen in your community," said Letrisha Alexander. 

A judge set no bond for Trebbles. Officer Vermillion is on paid administrative leave.