DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — Police released the identity of the suspect who was shot and killed by police during an undercover drug operation.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said Victo Larosa, 23, was killed by police Thursday night.
JSO was conducting an undercover drug operation throughout the city that targeted street sales. The narcotics team began around 11:30 a.m. and worked until 2:30 p.m., then reconvened around 4:30 p.m.
At the intersection of Acme Street and Atlantic Boulevard, undercover officers encountered someone on the sidewalk and expressed interest in purchasing drugs.
The suspect got into the undercover cop car and directed the driver to Mayfair Village Road off Beach Boulevard. The suspect got out of the car and went into an apartment. He returned to the car about five minutes later and told the undercover officers the narcotics were weak and not worth the money, JSO explained. The suspect went on to say if they waited for a few minutes, another dealer would be across the street. Soon after, the stolen vehicle being driven by Larosa pulled up.
JSO said the detectives got the drugs and signaled for the apprehension team, then Larosa began to drive off. JSO Sgt. D.R. White, who was with the apprehension team, signaled for the driver to stop. However, Larosa hit White, who then landed on his head.
Larosa continues driving, hitting five vehicles before the car was pinned by an officer's cruiser. Larosa gets on the car, runs through Lamee Avenue and Drexel Street, cutting through back yards and tripped on a concealed fence, JSO said.
JSO said he fell into a pushup position, twisted toward officers, shoved his hands into his waistband, which is when an officer fired about eight times. Larosa died at the scene.
The officer who shot the suspect is on paid administrative leave and has been with JSO for nine years. White, who has been in the narcotics division for 18 years, was taken to the hospital for treatment and later released.
The second person involved is still on the loose.
The undercover drug sting led to six arrests and the recovery of one gun.
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