PALM CITY, Fla. – A Florida Highway Patrol trooper died in a shooting near an Interstate 95 rest stop Wednesday, according to the agency.
Trooper Joseph Bullock, a 19-year veteran, died in a shooting before noon near a rest stop not far from Palm City, about a 45-minute drive north of West Palm Beach, the Highway Patrol said in a statement.
Col. Gene Spaulding said his department is heartbroken.
“The worst part of this job is receiving a call like we did this morning, telling us a trooper was killed in the line of duty,” Spaulding said.
Bullock was killed in what the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office called a “felonious act,” according to WPLG.
Investigators said Trooper Bullock was helping a motorist who pulled over.
“This is a tragedy and it’s going to take a long time to heal,” Spaulding said.
Riviera police pursued and fatally shot the gunman, according to FHP.
The shooting closed I-95 in both directions in the area. It was expected to remain closed until at least late Wednesday afternoon, officials said.
No further details have been released, including whether a suspect is in custody. The agency did not immediately respond to phone calls, emails or texts.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
The entire Florida Highway Patrol and FLHSMV family mourns today for the loss of one of our own, FHP Trooper Joseph Bullock. Please keep his family and his team members in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/kQ8zO0mVGF
— FLHSMV (@FLHSMV) February 5, 2020