Suspect accused of killing St. Pete worker, mom of 4 taken into custody after standoff in Lee County: SPPD
Sanitation worker killed in shooting, suspect in custody
A suspect is in custody following a highway standoff after a 47-year-old St. Petersburg city employee was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon in what police believe was a targeted domestic attack. FOX 13's Jennifer Kveglis reports.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A suspect is in custody following a highway standoff after a 47-year-old St. Petersburg city employee was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon in what police believe was a targeted domestic attack.
St. Petersburg Police Investigation
What we know:
According to the St. Petersburg Police Department, a 47-year-old mother of four died after being shot several times while sitting inside a front-loader work vehicle around 12:35 p.m. Wednesday in the 4100 block of 12th Ave S. Investigators said the suspect and victim knew each other and the shooting was targeted, domestic in nature and not a random act.
The victim had worked for the city for about 12 years as a sanitation worker. Police said an argument occurred before the shooter, identified as Ladavion King, 43, got into the cab of a front-loader and opened fire. He then left the scene and drove south on Interstate 75.
St. Petersburg police are investigating a shooting that claimed the life of a city employee on Wednesday.
Interstate 75 Standoff
Timeline:
Around 4 p.m. Wednesday, Florida Highway Patrol troopers located King barricaded in a vehicle off I-75 southbound in Lee County. Shots were fired during the resulting standoff.
King was taken to Gulf Coast Hospital with serious injuries, where he remains in custody of the Lee County Sheriff's Office. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating.
Grief counselors were arranged for city employees on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday.
Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol
Florida Highway Patrol Findings
What they're saying:
"State troopers and law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect the people of this great state," FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner said. "As this is an active criminal investigation, we will have no further comment, except to say how thankful I am for the heroism state troopers display each and every day, including this very challenging and dangerous incident today. The entire Florida Highway Patrol is deeply thankful for the heroism and support Lee County deputies provided in responding, as well."
Shooting details
What we don't know:
It remains unclear if King was hit by a trooper's bullet, a Lee County deputy's bullet or if he shot himself. Officers have also not released the total number of shots fired during either incident.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway, who provided details about the initial shooting, as well as statements from the Florida Highway Patrol regarding the standoff and arrest.