HOLLYWOOD – A police sergeant with the Golden Beach Police Department is recovering after being shot overnight Saturday during a pursuit of two suspects in a stolen vehicle, authorities said.
The Hollywood Police Department said they received a call for assistance from Golden Beach police after units with the Sunny Isles Police Department and the GBPD were attempting to stop a stolen car around 3:15 a.m. that was heading north on Ocean Boulevard.
Authorities said the stolen car attempted to turn onto Hallandale Beach Boulevard when the driver lost control of the car. The people inside then got out and took off running.
According to police, responding officers chased the suspects on foot, at which time Golden Beach police Sgt. Joseph Bautista was shot.
Two suspects were apprehended at the scene in Hollywood and were taken into custody.
They have been identified as 23-year-old Jordan Christophe and 28-year-old Marvens Declasse. Both are facing a number of felony charges, including attempted murder for Christophe, who is the suspected shooter.
Hollywood police confirmed Saturday that they recovered the gun used to shoot the officer.
According to Hollywood police spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi, Bautista was shot twice in the arm and was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital. His injuries are considered to be non-life threatening.
“The officer is stable and going into surgery, so obviously we are grateful that the injuries weren’t more severe for that Golden Beach police officer,” she said.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Bautista has been with the GBPD for 10 years.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have information to call the Hollywood Police Department at 954-764-4357 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.
Bautista’s loved ones created a GoFundMe page where donations will go towards supporting his family as they say he has “a long road to recovery.” To view the page, click here.