Man Who Shot Lakeland Police Officer Pleads Guilty

LAKELAND, FL – A 28-year-old Polk County man pleaded guilty Friday to charges of carjacking and other offenses in connection with a July incident that left a Lakeland police officer wounded.

Twenty-eight-year-old Terrest Colston also pleaded guilty in federal court to brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison for the carjacking charge, a minimum mandatory term of seven years, and up to life, in prison for the brandishing charge, and a maximum term of 10 years for the possession charge. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

"On July 11, 2018, an individual was parked in his sedan on East Lemon Street in Lakeland. Colston approached the driver’s side window of the vehicle, pointed a loaded revolver at the victim, and told him to get out of the car," explained federal prosecutors. "The victim, in fear for his life, complied. Colston then got into the sedan and drove away."

Federal prosecutors said Colston was spotted a few hours later by the Lakeland police officer who attempted to pull Colston over in the stolen vehicle.

"Colston crashed the car and fled on foot," federal prosecutors said. "The officer caught up with Colston, and Colston shot the officer. The officer survived and returned fire, striking Colston in the leg. Additional officers arrived and took Colston into custody."

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lakeland Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher F. Murray.

The case was brought under Project Safe Neighborhoods, which brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime.

In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates program efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.