Florida officer dies after crash with suspect during chase

LEON COUNTY, Fla. – A Tallahassee police officer died Wednesday after a crash with a man accused of shooting three members of his own family, according to a joint release from the Tallahassee Police Department and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.

Tyrone Cleveland, 37, was arrested and faces numerous charges, the release stated.

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Deputies were called at 12:27 a.m. about an assault at a home, where investigators said Cleveland had shot three family members before driving away. The victims were hospitalized, two with non-life-threatening injuries and the third in stable condition, according to the release.

The Tallahassee police officer joined the chase, according to the release, and Cleveland turned his vehicle around, driving toward oncoming traffic, striking the Tallahassee officer’s cruiser.

The officer was taken to a hospital where he later died from his injuries, the release stated. Cleveland was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, officials said.

Support for the fallen officer’s friends, family and colleagues has been pouring into the Tallahassee Police Department, with figures such as Orlando police chief Orlando Rolón, Orange County Sheriff John Mina and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis offering their condolences and prayers.

The identity of the officer has not yet been made public.