PAHOKEE FLORIDA, The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly carried out shootings at multiple locations in Pahokee over a span of roughly 40 minutes.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult men at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot and transported for medical treatment. Officials said the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to reports of gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV toward the deputy.
Authorities state that the vehicle struck the deputy, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV while armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also fired during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced dead at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had a prior criminal record that included charges such as riot, resisting an officer with violence, armed robbery, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carrying a concealed weapon, narcotics-related offenses, and escape or attempted escape from a county facility.
In accordance with department policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information is expected to be released as the investigation continues.
