Police sergeant shot during Hollywood pursuit in stable condition

A police pursuit that turned violent last Saturday in Hollywood, Florida resulted in a Golden Beach police sergeant being shot twice in the arm. Although initially gravely injured, the injured officer is currently in stable condition, according to officials. The altercation transpired around 3:15 a.m. that morning when officials from the Sunny Isle and Golden Beach Police Department made efforts to thwart a runaway car traveling north on Ocean Boulevard in Golden Beach.

As the suspects attempted to flee north on Hallandale Boulevard, the driver of the vehicle suddenly lost control, prompting them to flee on foot. However, the authorities managed to give chase and apprehended the suspects shortly thereafter. But, what followed was an altercation between the fleeing suspects and Golden Beach Sgt. Joseph Bautista, which resulted in Bautista being shot twice in the arm.

Bautista, who remained in critical condition and in a state of shock, was quickly transported to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, WTVJ reported. “The officer is stable and going into surgery so obviously we are grateful that the injuries weren’t more severe for that Golden Beach police officer,” Hollywood police spokeswoman Deanna Bettineschi said in a news release.

Meanwhile, Hollywood police were able to confirm the recovery of the gun that was used to shoot the officer. Both suspects were apprehended at the scene and taken into custody without incident.

Golden Beach has a population of 945, while Sunny Isles boasts 22,064 residents. It is unclear at this time what charges the suspects face or what their future holds in the criminal justice system.