The tranquil Gulf Coast community of Port Charlotte, Florida, was rocked by a deadly police-involved shooting on Sunday, December 17, 2024, that claimed the life of a law enforcement officer and resulted in the apprehension of a female suspect. The incident, which began at the Marathon Gas Station near the Sunseeker Resort, escalated into a violent and chaotic series of events, leaving the community shaken and leading to a massive law enforcement response.
Shortly after 5 p.m., authorities received an urgent call reporting an officer down. According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary police reports, an adult female suspect engaged in an altercation with the deputy at the Marathon Gas Station, during which she opened fire, fatally wounding the officer. The confrontation quickly spiraled into a broader pursuit as the suspect attempted to evade capture, culminating in her eventual apprehension in critical condition.
As the investigation continues, a clearer picture of the tragic events is beginning to emerge, shedding light on the sequence of actions, the roles of law enforcement agencies, and the far-reaching impact of the incident on the local community and beyond.
The Punta Gorda Police Department and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office were among the first to respond to the scene. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement initiated a massive manhunt for the suspect, which quickly expanded across several locations in Port Charlotte. Eyewitnesses reported a heavy police presence near Applebee’s, Popeye’s on Kings Highway, and RaceTrac as officers pursued the armed suspect. The chase reportedly came to a dramatic end near Popeye’s on Kings Highway and Sandhill Boulevard, where law enforcement officers cornered the suspect.
Despite repeated orders to surrender, the woman refused to comply, leading to a standoff that resulted in her being severely injured during the confrontation. She was subsequently airlifted to Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers, where she remains in critical condition under tight security. Her identity has not been publicly released as of yet.
The officer, whose identity is also being withheld pending notification of next of kin, tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He is being remembered as a dedicated public servant who gave his life in the line of duty. The Punta Gorda Police Department and Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office have expressed their deepest condolences to the officer’s family and colleagues, vowing to pursue justice and ensure a thorough investigation into the incident.
Sheriff Bill Prummell of Charlotte County released a statement addressing the tragedy, saying, “Today, we lost one of our own in a senseless act of violence. This brave officer dedicated his life to protecting and serving our community, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all those who worked alongside him. We will do everything in our power to bring closure to this devastating event and ensure that justice is served.”
The incident has prompted an outpouring of support from neighboring law enforcement agencies and the broader community. Several agencies, including the Florida Highway Patrol and local SWAT teams, assisted in securing the area and investigating the multiple crime scenes. The Marathon Gas Station, where the shooting initially occurred, remains cordoned off as forensic teams gather evidence and reconstruct the events that led to the deputy’s death.
Road closures in the area further underscore the scale of the investigation. The northbound U.S. 41 bridge leading into Port Charlotte was immediately shut down to prevent additional risks to the public and allow law enforcement to secure the crime scenes. Motorists were redirected to Olympia Avenue and I-75 as alternative routes. Additional closures were reported along Sandhill Boulevard, extending to Capricorn Boulevard, as authorities expanded the perimeter to include areas near Deep Creek.
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Nicole Wilkinson described the situation as “fluid and ongoing,” noting that investigators are meticulously examining multiple locations for stray bullet damage and potential injuries to bystanders. “Our priority is the safety of the public and ensuring we gather all the evidence needed to piece together what transpired,” Wilkinson said.
While details about the suspect remain scarce, initial reports indicate that the woman may have had a criminal history, though law enforcement has not yet confirmed any prior encounters. Witnesses at the Marathon Gas Station described the suspect as appearing agitated before the shooting occurred, though the exact nature of her interaction with the officer remains under investigation. Surveillance footage from the gas station and surrounding businesses is expected to play a critical role in determining the sequence of events leading to the fatal confrontation.
The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond the immediate crime scenes. The fallen officer’s death marks a somber moment for the law enforcement community, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by officers every day. Community members have already begun to organize vigils and memorials to honor the officer’s sacrifice, with many expressing their grief and frustration over the senseless loss of life.
“We are heartbroken,” said local resident Karen Simmons, who lives near the Marathon Gas Station. “This is a small, peaceful community, and to see something like this happen here is just devastating. My thoughts are with the officer’s family and everyone affected by this tragedy.”
The officer’s colleagues at the Punta Gorda Police Department and Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office have described him as a committed and courageous individual who took great pride in serving his community. Plans for a formal memorial service are underway, with local officials coordinating efforts to ensure the officer’s family receives the support they need during this difficult time.
Beyond the immediate aftermath, the shooting has sparked renewed conversations about officer safety and the challenges of policing in high-risk situations. Law enforcement experts and advocates are calling for increased training and resources to better prepare officers for unpredictable and dangerous encounters.
Former police chief Mike Langston, now a public safety consultant, emphasized the importance of de-escalation training and access to mental health resources for both officers and the communities they serve. “Incidents like this highlight the need for comprehensive strategies to address violence and ensure that officers have the tools they need to protect themselves and the public,” Langston said.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on honoring the fallen officer and ensuring a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has taken the lead in the investigation, working closely with local agencies to determine whether the use of force during the suspect’s apprehension was justified and whether any additional factors contributed to the escalation of violence.
While the road to healing will undoubtedly be long, the Port Charlotte community has already begun to rally together, demonstrating resilience and solidarity in the face of tragedy. From local businesses offering support to law enforcement agencies to neighbors leaving flowers and messages of condolence at the crime scenes, the community’s response serves as a powerful reminder of the strength that emerges in times of adversity.
As more details become available, the story of the Port Charlotte shooting will likely serve as a case study for law enforcement agencies across the country, offering lessons in response coordination, officer safety, and community engagement. For now, the focus remains on honoring the life of a dedicated officer, supporting his grieving family, and seeking justice for a senseless act of violence that has left an indelible mark on the community.
