Investigators give update after boy, 13, and police officer shot during gun battle

LAKELAND, Fla. — A Lakeland police officer and a 13-year-old boy are recovering after investigators say they shot at each other.

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Investigators gave an update on the case at 11 a.m.

Polk County deputies said the teenager was involved in two different gun battles Wednesday night.

Deputies said the teen tried to run from officers earlier in the day.

The 13-year-old is accused of shooting a police officer during a chase in Lakeland, according to investigators.

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The incident unfolded when the officer attempted to pull over a vehicle suspected of being involved in a drive-by shooting near Simpson Park.

Authorities said that three individuals fled from the vehicle.

The suspect involved in the officer-involved shooting fled towards Carrington Place apartments, located near North Florida Avenue and West 10th Street.

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Detectives report that the suspect fired at the officer, striking him in the foot.

The officer, identified as Jaime Smith, continued to pursue the suspect.

Then there was another gunfight, resulting in the 13-year-old suspect being hit, deputies said.

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Both the officer and the teenager were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

“We’re going to ask the state attorney to file adult charges,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “He may be 13, but he’s a hardened criminal. Send him to prison for a very long time.”

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