A veteran Florida Highway Patrol trooper was killed in a shooting on Interstate 95 in Martin County Wednesday, officials said.
Trooper Joseph Bullock, who was an Air Force veteran and had been with FHP for nearly 19 years, was killed in the incident, officials with FHP and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said.
"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," the agencies said in a statement.
Officials said the 42-year-old Bullock had stopped to assist with a disabled vehicle around 10:15 a.m. just south of Port St. Lucie when a suspect who had been with the vehicle shot and killed the trooper.
A Riviera Beach Police officer who just happened to be passing by responded and fatally shot the suspect, officials said.
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The identity of the suspect hasn't been released, and officials didn't give a possible motive for the shooting.
"Joe was one of the troopers that went out every day, did his job quietly, professionally and with the utmost dedication," FHP Col. Gene Spaulding told reporters at a news conference Wednesday evening. "It is a tragic, tragic loss."
The highway was closed in both directions near the 107 mile marker and remained closed for several hours, Martin County Sheriff's Office officials said.
Footage showed dozens of FHP troopers and deputies at the scene, with the suspect's body lying on the side of the interstate next to a flatbed truck.
One witness said he pulled over when he saw the Riviera Beach officer arrive at the scene.
"There was a trooper laying down outside his driver's side door," Adam Phillips said. "I mean there was six shots, I mean I heard gunfire first and then I seen gunfire back from the Riviera Beach officer."
An investigation is ongoing and being led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Check back with NBC 6 for updates.
