FHP trooper involved in shooting on I-75 in Marion County
MARION COUNTY, Fla. - A Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper was involved in a shooting Sunday evening on Interstate 75 in Marion County, a spokesperson for FHP confirmed to FOX 35.
Lt. P.V. Riordan, a spokesperson for FHP, told FOX 35 on Sunday that southbound I-75 near mile marker 374 was closed following a "highway violence incident." However, no additional details were immediately released.
In an emailed update on Monday, FHP Lt. Riordan said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) was investigating a shooting involving an FHP trooper that occurred on I-75 on Sunday night. "Since this is an active investigation, this is all the information I have to share," he said.
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FHP did not provide information or details on the circumstances that led up to the shooting, nor if anyone was hurt or killed.
Spokespersons told FOX 35 that deputies from the Marion County Sheriff's Office and the Alachua County Sheriff's Office helped manage traffic while the investigation was ongoing. Eventually, the Florida Department of Transportation's Road Rangers became involved with traffic management.
Traffic cameras that looked onto the southbound lanes showed at least two cars pulled over with damage following the incident.
One of those cars belonged to the adult children of a woman named Tracy Coulter. Coulter told FOX 35 that her kids saw an FHP trooper chasing after someone when that driver crashed into her children's car and another vehicle. She said they told her that when they all stopped to get out, they heard gunfire and took cover.
Coulter said she and her husband rushed to the scene afterward. She said the car was totaled, but her children were not hurt. They were fortunate, she added, because the family said the suspect hit the side of the vehicle in which a 3-year-old child was sitting.
The FDLE is taking over the shooting investigation. FOX 35 has contacted the FHP and the FDLE for clarification. The FHP said it isn’t sharing many details because the investigation is still active. We are awaiting word from the FDLE.
Stay with FOX 35 News for updates.