Bernard Smith Death – The Fort Pierce Police Department conducted a press conference on Monday afternoon regarding a shooting incident involving their officers on Saturday. Bernard Smith, a 28-year-old gunman, was fatally shot by the police after engaging in gunfire with them. According to the Fort Pierce police, officers received multiple reports on Saturday. The first report was about a person being shot in the 1400 block of 23rd Street at around 11 a.m.
The second call was regarding a vehicle theft in the 2100 block of Avenue N. Officers responded to both incidents simultaneously. Upon arriving at the first scene, they discovered a man who had been shot. While en route to the scenes, officers heard gunshots originating from another location. They encountered the shooter in the 1600 block of North 25th Street.
During the confrontation, there was an exchange of gunfire between the gunman and the police. The gunman, later identified as Smith, was shot and killed during the exchange. After the shooting, the police provided medical assistance to Smith before he was transported to a hospital.
Once the scenes were secured, it was determined that the victims had been shot in the 1600 block of NW 24 Street and the 2400 block of Avenue P. Two victims at one of the scenes succumbed to their injuries. As of Monday afternoon, the police department confirmed that Craig Robinson, a 50-year-old who was shot at the first scene, is still receiving treatment at HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital.
The two deceased victims were identified as Devin Bradley, 24, and Roosevelt Benjamin, 59. All the victims are residents of Fort Pierce. The police department stated that the car theft incident is connected to the shooting involving the officers, and they are currently investigating if all the shootings are related.
The city of Fort Pierce issued the following statement on Monday afternoon regarding the shootings: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting that occurred over the weekend, resulting in the loss of several precious lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this incident.”