A memorial continued to grow Tuesday night on the patrol car of Nassau County Deputy Eric Oliver, signs of the community coming together to show their support for Oliver, who lost his life in the line of duty.
“When we leave the house in the morning or at night, there's no guarantee you'll come back,” said Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper.
Oliver was helping Border Patrol agents chase a suspect Tuesday morning when he was hit and killed by an SUV. Throughout the day, multiple law enforcement agencies searched for the suspect. Francisco Obbidio Portillo-Fuentes, 25, was arrested Tuesday evening in Jacksonville. The suspect had previously been deported twice, something Action News Jax talked about with Leeper.
“As we see things going around our country, we have to make sure that our immigration policies are enforced and making sure our borders are safe,” Leeper said.
The arrest of the suspect happened as other members of law enforcement paid their respects. An emotional night remembering the seven-year veteran who also leaves behind a 6-year-old daughter.
“I told her daddy died doing what he loved to do protecting our community and he's a hero and he's looking down on her protecting her and watching over her,” Leeper said.