Sgt. Gary Morales killed: Suspect in St. Lucie County deputy death transported to jail

FORT PIERCE — The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office has a suspect in connection with the death of a deputy who was shot and killed Thursday morning during a traffic stop south of Fort Pierce.

Photographers captured Eriese Alphonso Tisdale as he was transported by deputies to the county jail. He had a scowl on his face as he looked at reporters.

Tisdale faces charges of first degree premeditated murder, assault on an officer/firefighter/EMT, fleeing and eluding and possession of a weapon or ammo by a convicted felon.

He is being held without bond and will make his first appearance in court Friday morning.

35-year-old Sgt. Gary Morales -- a 13-year agency veteran -- was shot and killed in the 3200 block of Naylor Terrace.

Deputies chased the suspect to Oleander Avenue where they arrested him after he crashed his car.

Suspect: Eriese Alphonso Tisdale, photo: SLCSO

Sgt. Morales was transported to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center and Heart Institute where he was pronounced dead.

SIGN THE GUESTBOOK FOR SGT. GARY MORALES

Tisdale's arrest record:

6/12/2012                            Front seat passenger no seatbelt
                                
9/27/2012                            Driving while license suspended

8/13/2010                            Possession of marijuana 20 grams

8/13/2010                            Resisting arrest                 

3/21/2010                            Possession of marijuana 20 grams
 

Source: St. Lucie County Clerk of Courts

Sign the guest book for Sgt. Gary Morales http://bit.ly/WDwLit