Port St. Lucie Sergeant Critical: Surgery Needed

Port St. Lucie Sergeant Critically Injured in Shooting, faces Lengthy recovery

A 27-year veteran of the Port St. Lucie Police Department is fighting for his life after being shot in the face Monday night, requiring specialized surgery and a prolonged recovery.

Sgt. Erik Levasseur underwent a second surgery to address facial injuries and is currently in a medically induced coma, relying on a tracheotomy and having a wired jaw. Doctors have confirmed the presence of shrapnel in his retina, necessitating transfer to a specialized hospital with a team of expert surgeons. The Port St. Lucie Police headquarters,typically illuminated in blue,now serves as a poignant symbol of support for the injured officer.

Did you know? – Port St.Lucie Police Department officers typically have their headquarters illuminated in blue as a sign of support and solidarity. The building is currently lit to honor Sgt. Levasseur.

Response to Neighbor Dispute Turned Violent

On Monday night, Sgt. Levasseur and five other officers responded to a reported neighbor dispute within a gated community in the Tradition neighborhood.Upon arrival, the officers where immediately met with gunfire. Body-worn camera footage captured the immediate aftermath, with officers calling out to Sgt. Levasseur after he was struck.

Authorities report that Sgt. Levasseur sustained two gunshot wounds to the face, inflicted by an AK-style rifle. The incident has deeply impacted the Port St. Lucie community and the wider law enforcement family.

Pro tip: – Body-worn camera footage is increasingly used in law enforcement to provide clarity and accountability, and in this case, documented the immediate aftermath of the shooting.

A lifelong Dedication to Service

Those who know Sgt. levasseur describe him as a dedicated officer and a genuinely good person. Joe Edge, a longtime friend who has even handled the sergeant’s taxes, shared his sentiments. “I’ve known Eric better part of 25 years,” Edge said. “It’s no surprise that he was probably the first one there, so he’s just, just all around good guy.”

Edge recounted a photograph from 2012 showing Sgt. Levasseur wearing a shirt honoring Tommy Worthington, a st. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office deputy who tragically passed away from an autoimmune disease. “He and Eric were very close,” Edge explained, highlighting the sergeant’s history of supporting those around him.

Now,Edge emphasizes the need for the community to return that support to Sgt. Levasseur. “Just say prayers,” he urged. “It’s going to be a long years of him getting better, but he’ll look back at this and be thankful for the support that he’s getting.”

The road to recovery will be arduous, but the unwavering support of his colleagues, friends, and the community offers a beacon of hope for Sgt. Levasseur’s future.

Reader question: – How can communities best support law enforcement officers during times of crisis and recovery? Share your thoughts.

Why, Who, What, and How did it end?

Why: Sgt. Erik Levasseur and other officers responded to a reported neighbor dispute. The situation escalated, resulting in gunfire.
Who: Sgt. Erik Levasseur, a 27-year veteran of the Port St. Lucie Police Department,was critically injured. The shooter has not been publicly identified.
What: Sgt. Levasseur was shot twice in the face with an AK-style rifle while responding to a neighbor dispute.He underwent two surgeries and is currently in a medically induced coma.
How did it end?: The incident is still unfolding. Sgt. Levasseur is undergoing a lengthy recovery process, and the investigation into the shooting is ongoing. The article does not state if the shooter has been apprehended or if charges have been filed. The ending focuses on the support being offered to Sgt.Levasseur and the hope for his recovery.