VENICE – What started off as a routine traffic stop Saturday morning quickly turned into an officer involved shooting in a quiet neighborhood in Venice.
“A Venice police officer was involved in a pursuit on the island of Venice. The officer exited his vehicle and immediately pursuit the suspect on foot,” said Venice Police Chief Tom Mattmuller
The incident occurred just after 5 a.m. on Menendez St. Officers identified 24-year-old Kevin Hamilton as the person who fled the scene. Chief Mattmuller says during the foot chase the officer fired his gun.
“The suspect and the officer has a scuffle, during that scuffle the officers weapon was discharged,” said Chief Mattmuller.
According to Chief Mattmuller neither the officer or Hamilton were shot, and Hamilton ran to nearby apartments. “We identified what apartment he was located in. At about 9:35 in the morning he surrendered he surrendered to the Venice police department,” he said.
The officer was taken to Venice hospital. Hamilton is in custody and being charged with fleeing to elude, driving with a suspended license, and battery of a police officer.
Chief Mattmuller confirmed the officer has been released at this time only suffering minor injuries.