PALATKA, Fla. – A city-approved block party in Palatka turned violent Saturday night when a driver plowed through a crowd of people, and several people, including two Palatka police officers, fired at him, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident, which sent multiple victims to area hospitals, happened at around 8 p.m. at the intersection of 20th and Eagle streets, deputies said.
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An unidentified driver steered a truck into the crowd gathered at the block party, prompting several people to open fire, trying to stop the truck, including the two officers.
Multiple people were transported to hospitals, though the extent of their injuries has not been released.
The crowd dispersed from the scene, with an estimated 1,000 people regrouping at the Middleton Shopping Center at 18th and Reid streets.
“There is a large law enforcement presence in the area, including Palatka Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol and our deputies to disperse the crowd,” the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Putnam County Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach is working alongside the Palatka Police Department to ensure adequate resources are in place to keep the community safe, deputies said.
The Palatka Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are leading the investigation. Authorities said the incident is believed to be isolated and that no further information is available at this time.