Suspect Fatally Shoots Tow Truck Driver, Shoots at Deputies in Lauderdale Lakes: BSO

One person was being taken by air to Broward Health

A tow truck driver was fatally shot by a suspect, who was injured after an exchange of fire with authorities at a Lauderdale Lakes apartment complex Tuesday, the Broward Sheriff’s Office said.

BSO homicide and crime scene detectives are responding after the shooting at the St. Croix apartments at 4150 Northwest 34th St. in Lauderdale Lakes, the sheriff's said.

The incident began when the management of the apartments called in employees from All County Towing to remove vehicles that were not supposed to be on the property, authorities said.

David Herr, 36, a tow truck driver, was approached by the owner of the car he was getting ready to tow.

The suspect, identified as Triston Johnson, fatally shot him several times, the sheriff's office said.

When authorities arrived at the complex, Johnson then shot at them as well, and at least one deputy returned fire, injuring him.

“Our deputies exited their vehicle. They took on fire – gunfire – from a suspect," Broward Sheriff Scott Israel said. "One of our deputies returned fire. He struck the suspect.”

Khalel Spencer said he heard the shots and the deputies.

“No, I just heard officers yelling, 'Get on the ground, get on the ground,’” he said.

Herr was pronounced dead at the scene. Herr's loved ones raced over the apartment complex, including Christie Owens, who said she was Herr's ex-wife, and their daughter.

The deputy who fired his weapon will be placed on administrative leave as policy mandates.

Johnson faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.

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