ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A 12-year City of St. Petersburg employee was fatally shot while sitting inside her front-end loader work vehicle Wednesday afternoon, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department.
Officers responded to the 4100 block of 12th Avenue South at approximately 12:34 p.m. after receiving a report of a person who had been shot.
According to St. Pete Police, the victim was a sanitation technician employed by the City of St. Petersburg for the past 12 years. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators said the victim and the suspect knew each other, and the shooting was not a random act. Authorities have identified the suspect, who remains at large.
Police said there is no danger to the public as the investigation continues. The City of St. Petersburg said grief counselors will be available to support city employees following the tragedy.
Update: The Florida Highway Patrol located the homicide suspect in Lee County. He is currently stopped and barricaded in his vehicle off Interstate 75 southbound. Both Lee County Sheriff’s Deputies and FHP Troopers are on scene. This is a developing situation. Stand by for updates.
SOURCE: St. Petersburg Police Department
