A Florida cop was shot dead and another was critically wounded while four other police officers around the country were struck by gunfire within two hours Friday night.
Officer Matthew Baxter, a three-year veteran with the Kissimmee police department, was killed during a routine check, while Sgt. Sam Howard remains in grave critical condition at the Osceola Regional Medical Center, according to Police Chief Jeff O'Dell.
Baxter and Howard responded to reports of a suspicious person near Palmway and Cypress Streets at 9:27 p.m., O'Dell said.
Within approximately five minutes, Kissimmee police received calls that Baxter and Howard were shot, according to O'Dell.
"It looked like they were surprised," Odell said. The police chief added the officers were wearing their uniforms and did not return fire.
Three suspects are in custody and a fourth is being sought.
Police from neighboring departments descended on the scene and multiple agencies are investigating.
Within four hours of the shooting, President Trump, who ran a campaign emphasizing law and order, tweeted, "My thoughts and prayers are with the @KissimmeePolice and their loved ones. We are with you!"
Florida Gov. Rick Scott issued a statement saying he was "hearbroken", adding, "Our law enforcement officers are true heroes and we will miss these brave Floridians."
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crim...icle-1.3424344