The Florida Highway Patrol says Trooper Joseph Bullock, a 19-year veteran of the agency, was killed on Wednesday in the line of duty on Interstate 95 in Martin County.
FHP said Bullock was fatally wounded while assisting the public on I-95. The agency released this statement:
"Today, the entire Florida Highway Patrol and FLHSMV family is heartbroken as we mourn the tragic loss of Trooper Joseph Bullock, a nearly 19-year veteran of the Florida Highway Patrol who chose to make selflessly serving and protecting others his life's work. Please keep his family and his team members in your prayers."
The entire Florida Highway Patrol and FLHSMV family mourns today for the loss of one of our own, FHP Trooper Joseph Bullock. Please keep his family and his team members in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/kQ8zO0mVGF
— FLHSMV (@FLHSMV) February 5, 2020
All lanes of I-95 are shut down in both directions in Martin County because of an officer-involved shooting, authorities said.
The Martin County Sheriff's Office said the highway will be closed for hours at mile marker 107, which is between Kanner Highway (mile marker 101) and Martin Highway (mile marker 110).
Traffic is stopped in the north and southbound lanes due to a large law enforcement presence at the scene.
Drivers are experiencing major delays in both directions.
Northbound traffic is being diverted to exit at Indiantown Road and get onto the Florida Turnpike. Once on the Turnpike, you can exit at mile marker 152, State Road 70, to get back onto I-95.
Southbound traffic is urged to exit at Martin Highway and take the Florida Turnpike.
FHP said Trooper Bullock spent his entire law enforcement career with Troop L (Fort Pierce), and was also an Air Force veteran.
Condolences have been pouring in from law enforcement agencies across Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, who are expressing their sorrow at Trooper Bullock's tragic passing.
The men and women of the Delray Beach Police Department extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends and @FLHSMV colleagues of Trooper Joseph Bullock. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/gEEOQxHn0n
— Delray Beach Police (@DelrayBeachPD) February 5, 2020
The men and women from the Stuart Police Department send their condolences to Trooper Bullock’s family, fellow troopers, and other law enforcement officers that worked with him throughout his career. https://t.co/wVC1ZqFQc5
— Stuart Police Dept. (@cityofstuart) February 5, 2020
Our prayers are with the family of Trooper Joseph Bullock and all of our brothers and sisters at Florida Highway Patrol. Rest in peace, brother. https://t.co/m1BOXCkRsQ
— Boynton Beach Police (@BBPD) February 5, 2020
Everyone at @bocapolice extends our condolences to the @FLHSMV for the tragic loss of FHP Trooper Joseph Bullock. https://t.co/SNzIjjMIAl
— Boca Raton Police (@BocaPolice) February 5, 2020
We are devastated. Our hearts are with our brothers & sisters of the Florida Highway Patrol.
— West Palm Beach PD (@WestPalmPD) February 5, 2020
The men and women of the FAU Police Department send our thoughts and prayers to the Florida Highway Patrol family. pic.twitter.com/pY2DXqvpXc
— FAU Police (@FAUPD) February 5, 2020
FHP said it will hold a news conference at 5 p.m. at the Martin County Sheriff's Office about the officer-involved shooting.
No other details, including what led to the shooting, have been released.
I95 at 107mm will be shut down in both directions for several hours due to officer involved shooting. Investigators are assembling. Please avoid area. pic.twitter.com/8X78TZQtlW
— MartinCountySheriff (@MartinFLSheriff) February 5, 2020
HEADS UP: if you’re trying to use 95 NB or SB EXPECT DELAYS between Kanner Hwy & Martin Hwy after an officer involved shooting w/ major roadblocks. @WPTV pic.twitter.com/bu3l9yTzPF
— Jillian Idle (@JillianIdlewptv) February 5, 2020
This is a developing story. Stay with WPTV for updates.
