PALATKA, FL - A city-approved block party in Putnam County, Florida, reportedly devolved into chaos earlier in May after authorities say a male suspect driving a truck plowed through pedestrians at the event, resulting in several injuries and an officer-involved shooting in an effort to disable the suspect’s vehicle.
Authorities say the incident occurred on May 9 at approximately 8:00 p.m. at the intersection of North 20th Place and Eagle Street in Palatka while Palatka Police officers were working the sanctioned event. Police say a male suspect driving a truck reportedly drove through a crowd of pedestrians as officers made attempts to stop the driver, who ultimately fled the area.
Shortly after the initial incident, authorities claim the driver returned once more, colliding with a patrol vehicle and striking other pedestrians. Officers opened fire on the suspect vehicle in an effort to disable the truck, with the driver eventually crashing into another vehicle before being taken into custody.
Multiple individuals, including the suspect driver, were transported to an area hospital for treatment following the incident. A specific number of injuries related to the incident has yet to be shared by authorities, but police have confirmed that no officers were injured. The severity of injuries sustained by the victims in the incident has yet to be detailed by authorities.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting aspect of the incident. Details of the suspect currently in police custody at the area hospital have not been shared as of this writing, nor have specific charges been detailed by authorities.
Locals have shared their thoughts on the incident. One man whose granddaughter was injured while working as a vendor at the block party said, “Cops had to come and stop them two or three times. Stopped right near my brother, the truck right there, towards my grandbaby, the tent and all that stuff.”
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