Boy, 16, accused of shooting at two deputies in Fort Pierce

FORT PIERCE, Fla. — A 16-year-old youth was arrested Sunday morning on two counts of attempted homicide on a law enforcement officer and other charges after two deputies heard gunshots and bullets "whizzing" past their heads, according to affidavits released Monday.

Eugene J. "E.J." Ward, of the 200 block of North 32nd Street in Fort Pierce, was arrested in connection with the 12:17 a.m. Sunday incidents in the area of North 25th Street and Avenue F where two deputies were conducting a traffic stop on the west side of North 25th Street.

Investigators learned the deputies were walking back to their vehicle when they heard gun shots from across the street. They heard bullets "whizzing" by their heads and hitting things behind them.

Two witnesses reported seeing Ward leave an address in the 900 block of North 23rd Street shortly before the incident happened. They heard the shots, and within minutes saw Ward running to the front porch of the address in the 900 block of North 23rd Street. Ward went inside, and the witnesses saw sheriff's deputies surround the area.

One witness reported seeing Ward before the shooting with a silver handgun in his waistband.

"The same witness stated they overheard Eugene Ward bragging about shooting at someone," an affidavit states.

Ward initially said his name was Marcellis Jones. He said he lied because he had a warrant.

In addition to the two counts of attempted homicide on a law enforcement officer, Ward was arrested on charges including giving a false name to a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest without violence.

He also was arrested on a resisting arrest without violence warrant.

Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers customarily does not name juveniles accused of crimes but does name some juveniles depending on the seriousness of the crime, their age, aggravating circumstances and other factors.