NewsPalm Beach CountyRegion S Palm Beach CountyDelray Beach

Actions

Bystander records moments before deadly shooting involving FHP trooper in Delray Beach

Pompano Beach man killed after shooting at troopers, FHP says
Deadly FHP shooting Delray Beach 9-8-20
Posted at 3:47 PM, Sep 09, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-09 18:13:36-04

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol said a 33-year-old man was shot and killed by a trooper Tuesday evening after leading them on a chase from Interstate 95 into a Delray Beach neighborhood.

The shooting occurred near the I-95 northbound on-ramp at Atlantic Avenue, FHP Lt. Yanko Reyes said.

This caused a portion of Atlantic Avenue to be shut down for hours.

A bystander, Joshua Burns, recorded video of the incident on his cellphone, which shows the man running from troopers.

A few seconds later, a gunshot can be heard on the recording, but it's unclear who fired the shot.

"His SUV [had] tires blown out and the airbags already deployed," Burns said.

WEB EXTRA: Bystander records moments before deadly FHP shooting

Burns said he was on his way home from work when he saw a heavy law enforcement presence.

"It was so surreal," Burns said.

FHP said a trooper attempted to stop the vehicle on I-95 for driving recklessly.

However, it did not stop, and a short chase with FHP ended on Atlantic Avenue.

"I saw the cop running, and I heard a shot," resident Ella Akins said.

Akins said the person was running in her backyard and crossed the street next to her mother's house.

"When he got between my mom's house … I heard three other shots," Akins said.

FHP said the person killed, identified Wednesday as Steve Gilbert, 33, of Pompano Beach, Florida, was shooting at troopers while running away. A trooper then returned fire and shot and killed Gilbert.

Investigators were seen in the area Wednesday with a dog searching the area.

Reyes said the car Gilbert was driving was a stolen vehicle.

FHP said a rifle and handgun were found at the scene.

The trooper involved in the shooting was placed on administration leave.