Lakeland Police Officer Arnulfo Crispin. Photo: LPD
A central Florida police officer who was shot in the head while searching a suspect "will not and cannot recover" from his injuries, Lakeland Police Chief Lisa Womack said during a press conference.
Lakeland Officer Arnulfo Crispin, 25, died Tuesday from wounds suffered Sunday night, when he contacted three suspicious males in a park. After gaining their consent to search them for weapons and drugs, one of the men allegedly shot the officer.
That suspect, 19-year-old Kyle Williams, turned himself in on Monday at the urging of his mother. Williams faces first-degree murder and would be eligible for the death penalty. He had previously been charged with attempted murder, reports Central Florida News 13.
Investigators found a .40-caliber handgun in a crawl space in front of an apartment near the park. The gun is a match to spent cartridges found at the scene.
Officer Crispin had served about 18 months with the Lakeland Police Department, which has about 225 sworn officers.
"Officer Crispin was a young, energetic officer who was dedicated to the profession he chose," Chief Womack said.
Hundreds of fellow officers, family, friends and other well-wishers attended a candlelight vigil for Officer Crispin on Tuesday night.
