WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — In an update from the West Palm Beach Police Department (WPBPD) on Wednesday afternoon, officials now say it is undetermined who fired the bullet that hit a police officer during a shootout Tuesday morning.
Emmanuel McRae, 22, is facing two counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer with a firearm after an altercation at a home along the 300 block of Baker Drive. Officer Cristian Caraballo was injured when a bullet struck his ballistic vest during the exchange of gunfire.
McRae turned himself in to police Tuesday night.
In a statement sent to WPTV, WPBPD said investigators are still working to determine the origin of the bullet that struck Officer Caraballo:
"At this stage, it remains premature to determine the origin of the round that struck our officer. The officer’s ballistic vest has already been examined, and the recovered round has been submitted to a certified crime laboratory for detailed ballistic analysis to determine its origin. This process is essential to ensure that any findings are accurate, verified, and based on scientific evidence.
While the forensic investigation remains ongoing, it is important to note that the scientific analysis does not change the fact that Emmanuel McRae fired upon our officers. The charges against McRae remain active. He faces two counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, pursuant to Florida State Statute 782.04(1)(a)(1)."
According to McRae's arrest affidavit, police responded to the home after receiving a 911 call from a woman reporting a physical altercation between two men. Two officers responded to the scene, including Caraballo.
When Caraballo and the other officer approached the home, Caraballo announced himself, and McRae walked into the driveway and fired at least 10 rounds with a firearm in the direction of the officers.
Both officers returned fire, and Caraballo was hit in the lower back area of his ballistic vest. They took cover and saw McRae running away.
"When officers arrived at the home, an individual fired multiple shots at our police officers," West Palm Beach Police Chief Tony Araujo said. "Our officers returned fire, and during the exchange, one officer was struck by a bullet in their ballistic vest."
The West Palm Beach Police ShotSpotter recorded 11 initial gunshots, followed by a second round of 11 shots.
The arrest report says that Caraballo was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital for bruising and bleeding from a gunshot wound on the lower right side of his ballistic vest. WPTV has learned the officer is out of the hospital.
McRae's brother spoke to police and said the altercation started after he told McRae to collect his belongings and leave the home.
The investigation is ongoing, and McRae is being held in the Palm Beach County jail without bond.
