MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla. -- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement says officers caught suspected wildlife cop shooter, Christopher Eddy, Friday evening in Melbourne Beach.

Eddy, 23, is suspected of shooting veteran Fish and Wildlife Officer Vann Streety at least six times, during a traffic stop in a rural area in west Cocoa.

Investigators tracked Eddy down in a wooded area on A1A, in Melbourne Beach after he tried to steal a car. Eddy admitted his crime to Eyewitness News as he was being handcuffed.

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CONFESSION: Watch it | See Images

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“It was just unjust the way they treated me, because they pulled me over and they gave me some traffic tickets,” Eddy said.

The 46-hour manhunt ended when a homeowner called the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office to report Eddy was trying to steal his car.

When deputies caught Eddy, he was hiding in the sand dunes. He surrendered without a fight.

Officer Streety survived the six shots from a large caliber gun, possibly a .45, thanks in part to a bullet proof vest and what officers call a challenge coin that reads, "integrity, justice, honor" ( see coin images) in his back pocket.

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MIRACLE COIN: Images Of Coin That Stopped Bullet
AT THE SCENE: Wildlife Officer Shot

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"The bullet actually went through the wallet and the badge and was stopped by the challenge coin," Ivey said.

Why did I shoot the person, because I felt my freedom was being violated,” Eddy said. “If I wanted to kill him, I could have, but I shot him in the vest on purpose.”

Deputies also arrested Floyd Johnson Friday, for helping Eddy elude authorities.

Officer Vann Streety was in stable, but serious condition.

Those who worked with Vann Streety say they are happy to see his shooter behind bars.

“Anytime an officer goes down in Florida, we’re going to hunt him down and arrest him and bring him to justice,” Captain Steve Wayne, Florida Fish and Wildlife, said.

Investigators questioned Eddy at the Brevard Sheriff’s substation for several hours.

“I guess I’ll never get out of jail for this dumb [expletive],” Eddy said.

GIRLFRIEND OF SUSPECTED OFFICER SHOOTER FACES JUDGE

Christopher Eddy's 37-year-old girlfriend, Tammy Temple, appeared in court Friday (watch video) after she was arrested Thursday night. Investigators say the two were together when a wildlife officer was shot.

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SUSPECT'S GIRLFRIEND ARRESTED: See Images | Raw Video
DEVICE DESTROYED: Watch Video | See Images

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Temple stood in front of a judge for the first time at the Brevard County jail, with her hair in a bun, wearing protective clothing that deputies called a "suicide gown," because she was placed on suicide watch.

"Do you have the funds for a private lawyer?" asked the judge.

"I hope so," she responded.

It's a far different look from the night before when officers arrested her for her role in the shooting. Investigators say Temple lied about Eddy throwing out the gun at the crime scene, which caused them to waste valuable time in their search.

As for a home-made bomb found at Temple's apartment in Melbourne, prosecutors revealed how dangerous it could've been.

"I am advised today by my office that part of the device contained metal shavings," said a prosecutor.

While Temple cried at times in court and insisted she didn't know where her fugitive boyfriend is, the judge wasn't feeling sympathetic and said she'll stay locked up on no bond.

Frankly, this court's opinion is when a police officer in the line of duty is injured; it basically tears at the fabric of society," the judge said.