by Pahokee, Florida — A late-night wave of violence left two people dead, a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy seriously injured and the suspected gunman fatally shot after what authorities described as a deliberate vehicular attack followed by a confrontation with law enforcement.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said the suspect, identified as Charles McCloud Jr., carried out multiple shootings before returning to a crime scene and intentionally striking a deputy with his SUV.
“The deputy is very, very fortunate that the initial strike with the vehicle didn’t kill him,” Bradshaw said, noting the impact knocked the deputy back about 40 feet.
Timeline of the Violence
According to the sheriff’s office, the chaos began around 10:05 p.m., when deputies received a report of two people shot near Doveland Villas.
At 10:14 p.m., another call reported gunfire at a nearby residence involving someone in a dark SUV. Just minutes later, around 10:18 p.m., authorities say McCloud drove roughly half a mile to a convenience store and shot another person.
That victim survived and was later hospitalized.
Deputy Targeted at Crime Scene
Shortly after the double homicide, a deputy was putting up crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly returned to the area.
Authorities say he accelerated off the roadway and intentionally struck the deputy with his vehicle.
“The suspect got out of his vehicle with a handgun and was going toward the deputy that was on the ground,” Bradshaw said.
Despite being knocked down and suffering serious injuries, the deputy was able to draw his firearm and shoot McCloud before McCloud could fire at him, according to the sheriff.
A nearby detective also discharged his weapon, but officials said McCloud was already down.
McCloud was pronounced dead at the scene.
Injuries and Hospitalization
The injured deputy was airlifted to St. Mary’s Hospital with a compound ankle fracture and other minor injuries. The convenience store shooting victim was also transported there.
As of Thursday morning, authorities said both were expected to survive.
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No names have been released for the two individuals killed in the initial shooting, and the identity of the injured deputy has not been made public.
Investigation Ongoing
Law enforcement officials have not yet released a possible motive for the attacks.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the sequence of events leading up to the shootings and the vehicular assault.
The incident has left the Pahokee community shaken as authorities work to piece together what led to the deadly spree.
What are your thoughts on this case and the dangers officers face responding to active scenes? Share your perspective respectfully in the comments below.
