Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a Deputy Involved Shooting
Friday, October 10, 2014
A PBSO deputy attempted to affect a traffic stop this morning at 2:15AM on a white Volvo for a traffic offense in the area of Okeechobee Blvd and Military Trail when the vehicle turned right and fled east on Elmhurst Blvd at a high rate of speed. The deputy put his lights on and followed the suspect vehicle a short distance to Donnell Ave and Westgate Ave. The suspect vehicle made a right onto Donnell Ave, Westgate Plaza, and the deputy followed (there is no outlet in this parking area). The suspect vehicle stopped and the passenger side door opened, leading the deputy to believe occupants in the vehicle were going to bail out. The deputy exited his vehicle to investigate further. At that time the passenger vehicle door closed and the suspect driver made a U-turn and attempted to flee the location. As the suspect was attempting to flee he swerved toward the deputy. The deputy having nowhere to retreat and fearing for his life discharged his firearm multiple times striking the suspect driver. The suspect continued to flee driving across the street before coming to rest at least a ¼ to ½ mile north. The suspect driver then fled on foot. He was captured by responding deputies a short time later.
The suspect vehicle was occupied with the driver and two passengers. The two passengers stayed with the vehicle and cooperated fully with responding deputies. When interviewed by deputies the front passenger stated he stopped the vehicle by reaching over and grabbing the gear shift forcing the vehicle into park. Both passengers stated that they advised the driver to stop and not to flee from PBSO deputy.
Further investigation determined the vehicle was recently stolen from a residence in Lake Worth.
The suspect, identified as Joshua Jet was transported, by ground ambulance, to a local hospital where he is expected to survive. He will be booked into the Palm Beach County Jail Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer with a deadly weapon and Grand Theft Auto.
The PBSO deputy is currently on administrative leave which is standard department protocol.
