A man has been arrested after off-duty Florida wildlife officer was found fatally shot early Sunday, authorities said.
Florida Wildlife Conservation officer Julian Keen Jr. was found fatally shot in rural Hendry County, according to the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The sheriff's office said Eliceo Hernandez, 20, was arrested Monday in Keen's killing.
Officials said the incident began when Keen had spotted a reckless driver and started following the vehicle. After both vehicles stopped, there was a confrontation between Keen and Hernandez, and Keen was shot, officials said.
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Keen, 30, grew up in LaBelle, Florida in Hendry County, according to the Fort Myers News-Press.
“FHP Command Officers are praying and remembering our fallen but NEVER forgotten brother, FWC Officer Julian Keen, who was murdered last night while following his calling to protect and serve others," the Florida Highway Patrol Command Officers Association posted on Facebook. “He was a genuine officer who would literally give his shirt off his back to ANYONE who needed it."
Hernandez is facing a negligent homicide charge and was being held in jail on $500,000 bond Monday, officials said. Attorney information wasn't available.
