A Golden Beach police sergeant was out of surgery and in stable condition after he was shot twice during a police pursuit in Hollywood Saturday, officials said.
At about 3:15 a.m. Saturday, the Sunny Isle Police Department and the Golden Beach Police Department were attempting to stop a stolen car heading north on Ocean Boulevard.
As the suspects attempted to drive north on Hallandale Boulevard, the driver lost control of the car, which prompted the two suspects to bail out.
Officers chased the suspects on foot at which time Golden Beach Sgt. Joseph Bautista was shot twice in the arm.
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"The suspects bailed out of the car and it was during that foot pursuit that a Golden Beach police sergeant was shot," Hollywood Police spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi said.
Bautista was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood where he underwent surgery and was in stable condition, police said.
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"We're very grateful that the injuries weren't more severe," Bettineschi said.
Two suspects, identified as 23-year-old Jordan Elijah Christophe and 28-year-old Marvens Vauze DeClasse, were apprehended at the scene and taken into custody.
“HPD officers were able to arrest the shooter, take that person into custody and also take an additional suspect into custody. The gun from the shooting was also recovered," Bettineschi said.
Christophe is facing several charges including attempted murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, vehicle theft, grand theft of a firearm, resisting an officer, among others.
DeClasse is facing charges of vehicle theft and resisting an officer without violence.
They both remain behind bars. Attorney information wasn't available.
The shooting left residents in the area stunned.
"I was on the balcony of my apartment and I heard three gunshots. All the police were up here," neighbor Giovanni Vasaio said. "Not at all normal for this area."
A GoFundMe campaign has since been set up to support Bautista in his recovery. To donate, click here.
