Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Motorcade Brings Wounded Port St. Lucie Sergeant Home After Eye Surgeries

His long-term ability to return to duty remains uncertain.

Overview

  • Sgt. Erik Levasseur was escorted back to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce after surgeons at Jackson Memorial in Miami removed shrapnel from both eyes.
  • Police say he is awake, responsive and communicating by written notes following being shot twice in the face during a Monday response in the Tradition neighborhood.
  • Body-worn camera and other video captured an intense exchange of gunfire, with the suspect seen opening fire with an AK-47.
  • Investigators identified the suspected shooter as 32-year-old Frankie Salvatore Riccio, noted two 911 calls to his home that night, and reported finding roughly 20 weapons, ballistic vests, gas masks, survival food, a flashbang device and medical-grade marijuana.
  • In a separate case, Boynton Beach police with U.S. Marshals arrested 19-year-old Tevens Darnell Bradley in connection with the July 5 Sara Sims Park shooting, charging him with improper exhibition of a firearm with a felony gang enhancement.