Police Officer Fatally Shoots Suspect in Central Florida Mass Shooting After Carjacking Attempt

A man suspected in a mass shooting in central Florida last month was fatally shot by a police officer following a long chase and a carjacking, authorities said.

Twenty-one-year-old Alex Greene was under surveillance by detectives in the Eagle Lake area of Polk County on Monday, Sheriff Grady Judd said at a news conference. Greene was seen getting into a pickup and, when officers attempted a traffic stop, he fled, Judd said.

The suspect fled the vehicle and ran into traffic while Harper followed on foot, Judd said. Greene ran to a car sitting in a parking lot while the car’s owner was standing outside the vehicle talking with a friend. The car owner attempted to shut the doors, but Greene was able to get inside and start the car.

Harper then fired his gun at Greene, who was pronounced dead at the scene. It is unclear if Greene fired any shots at the officer.

The shooting occurred a short distance from Lakeland, where 11 people were injured in a drive-by shooting on Jan. 30. Lakeland Police Chief Sammy Taylor said detectives had hoped to bring Greene in on an outstanding burglary warrant to talk to him about the shooting.

An investigation into the shooting is ongoing. No further information has been released at this time.