Crime & Public Safety
Man shot during confrontation outside Port St. Lucie Pollo Tropical; suspect to be booked after recovery
A confrontation that began inside a Port St. Lucie Pollo Tropical ended with a 37-year-old man shot outside the restaurant on Sept. 19, police say. Port St. Lucie officers responded to reports of gunfire after bystanders called 911 and began providing aid to the wounded man.
According to the Port St. Lucie Police Department, the incident began about 3:45 p.m. when a 25-year-old customer entered to pick up a delivery order and the 37-year-old suspect, identified by police as Christopher Harris, followed him inside despite not appearing to place or pick up an order. Surveillance footage and witness accounts show Harris pushed the other man and advanced toward him outside the restaurant, and witnesses reported seeing Harris with a knife just before the shooting.
A single round was fired by the 25-year-old, striking Harris in the chest. Officers located Harris with a gunshot wound to the upper torso; he was airlifted to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators recovered a knife that had been removed from Harris’ waistband while he was receiving medical attention and later found a second knife in his front pocket. Detectives also recovered the firearm and detained the shooter at the scene.
Based on surveillance footage, witness statements and physical evidence, detectives allege Harris was the primary aggressor. Prosecutors have charged Christopher Harris with attempted aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and felony battery. Harris will be booked into the St. Lucie County Jail upon his medical release; no criminal charges are pending against the shooter at this time.
All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.