A second officer shot in Kissimmee, Fla. by a former US Marine has died, officials said Saturday.
Sgt. Sam Howard, a 10-year veteran of the Kissimmee police, succumbed to his injuries after 45-year-old Everett Miller began blasting away, police said.
Officer Matthew Baxter, 27, was on patrol in a drug ridden neighborhood Friday night when he confronted Miller and a few other men. Baxter and Miller scuffled, and the cop called for backup. Howard responded.
Miller allegedly gunned down the cops, killed Baxter, before fleeing. The police officers were unable to return fire.
City officials in Kissimmee have set up a donation fund to support the families of Baxter, a father of four, and Howard, a father of one, and will start accepting donations Monday, they said.
We will mourn over the next few days….we will get through this and we love them for what they do,” said Chief Jeff O’Dell.
tion. Shortly after the exchange, a 9-1-1 call was received stating two officers were down. Matthew Baxter succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
The City of Kissimmee has set up a bank account through SunTrust for those who would like to donate to the fallen officers’ families. The account will be titled City of Kissimmee – Officer Matthew Baxter and Sergeant Sam Howard. Donations can be made at any SunTrust Bank beginning Monday, August 21, 2017.
“I am so proud of the sworn and civilian members of our Department by acting quickly to identify the suspect and bring him to justice.