Treasure Coast Community Update: Tragic Teen Shooting in Fort Pierce
Our hearts go out to our neighbors in the wider Treasure Coast region as law enforcement officials in Fort Pierce investigate a deeply troubling incident involving local youth. What began as a neighborhood meetup has unfortunately ended in the loss of a young life, highlighting the ongoing importance of community safety and youth outreach in neighboring St. Lucie County.
A 16-year-old boy, identified as Kevin Searles, has tragically passed away after being shot during what authorities are calling a planned firearm exchange organized through social media among local teenagers.
The Incident and Investigation
According to the Fort Pierce Police Department and the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on the evening of June 11. Searles was riding his bicycle along Avenue N near North 23rd Street when gunfire erupted. Deputies who were already in the vicinity heard the shots and observed three teenagers fleeing the scene in different directions, abandoning their bicycles.
First responders found Searles critically injured on the sidewalk, armed with a 9mm pistol. Despite undergoing surgery and spending several days in the intensive care unit, he tragically succumbed to his injuries on Monday, June 15.
Major Michael Santiago shared crucial details regarding the circumstances of the shooting, explaining that four teenagers, including the victim, had arranged to meet via Instagram to exchange firearms. Notably, the firearms recovered at the scene were equipped with serial numbers and had not been reported stolen, meaning they were not untraceable “ghost guns.”
Swift Law Enforcement Response
Following the shooting, local law enforcement swiftly set up a perimeter, utilizing K-9 units and aviation support to track the fleeing individuals.
Key updates regarding the suspects and the investigation include:
- One 16-year-old suspect was apprehended by a K-9 unit, while another was discovered hiding inside a recycling bin.
- A firearm believed to be directly connected to the incident was successfully recovered by officers.
- The arrested 16-year-old was initially charged with attempted homicide, tampering with evidence, and the unlawful carrying of a firearm by a minor.
- Due to the tragic passing of Searles, Fort Pierce Police are currently working with the State Attorney’s Office to upgrade the primary charge to homicide. Officials will also determine if the suspect will be tried as an adult.
While the other two teenagers involved are not currently in custody, they may still face charges as the active investigation continues. It remains unclear if the individuals knew one another prior to the social media arrangement.
Keeping Our Treasure Coast Safe
As a community, staying informed is our first line of defense in protecting our neighborhoods and our youth. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding this case to step forward. If you have any relevant details, please contact the Fort Pierce Police Department at 772-462-6800 or reach out to Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers. Let us all continue to work together to keep the wider Indian River and Treasure Coast areas a safe place for families to call home.
