PALM CITY, Fla. – A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was killed in a shooting Wednesday on Interstate 95 in Martin County.
Trooper Joseph Bullock was fatally shot in the line of duty while assisting the public, the FHP said in a news release.
Bullock was a nearly 19-year veteran “who chose to make selflessly serving and protecting others his life’s work,” FHP Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes and Col. Gene Spaulding said in a joint statement.
A procession of law enforcement officers from multiple agencies escorted Bullock’s body to the medical examiner’s office in Fort Pierce.
“Joe was one of the troopers that went out every day, did his job quietly, professional and with the utmost dedication,” Spaulding said.
Spaulding said Bullock was attempting to help someone in a disabled vehicle when that person fatally shot him.
A Riveria Beach police officer passing by then shot the suspect, killing him.
All lanes of I-95 were closed near mile marker 107 between Martin Highway and Kanner Highway as several Florida Highway Patrol troopers, Martin County deputies and investigators from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement could be seen gathered in the area.
I-95 was shut down in both directions for several hours during the investigation.
“It is truly a tragedy and it will take a long time for the Florida Highway Patrol to heal,” Spaulding said.
Troopers have not released the identity of the alleged gunman.