Victim Killed By Ex-Boyfriend In Shooting: Police

LAKELAND, FL — The victim shot by her boyfriend on Sunday during an argument died Saturday night at a local hospital, the Lakeland Police Department said.

The victim and the suspect, Howayne T. Gayle, 35, recently broke up, authorities said. Gayle broke into the 37-year-old woman's home on Sunday morning after she wouldn't allow him inside. Her 19-year-old daughter was also inside. When the victim went outside with Gayle, he shot her as officers arrived.

Authorities are not releasing the victim's name in accordance with Marsy's Law.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact Detective Laura Dunn at 863.834.6974 or laura.dunn@lakelandgov.net. To remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida - call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477), dial **TIPS from your cell phone, visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip," or download the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet

Standard protocol for all officer-involved shootings will include two independent investigations. The LPD Violent Crimes unit will conduct an investigation of the shooting. LPD's Office of Professional Standards will also conduct an administrative review. The results of these investigations will be forwarded to the State Attorney's Office for review. Per agency protocol, Ofc. Behrens will be on administrative leave with pay during the initial phase of the investigation.

The officers who responded to the scene are: Brent Behrens, a 3-year veteran of LPD; Officer Kenneth Jones, a 5.5-year veteran of LPD, and Officer Doris Diaz, a 19-year veteran of LPD.

Update:

A suspect who police saw shoot a woman as they responded to a domestic call at a Lakeland townhome was shot and killed by police Sunday morning, Lakeland Police Chief Ruben Garcia said.

"The suspect is deceased," Garcia told reporters. "The officers were unharmed, and the victim of the shooting is at the hospital under a very, serious critical operation that's going on."

Authorities said the victim was shot in the abdomen.

Garcia said he believes the officers reacted to the violence perpetrated on the victim. The woman and her daughter were inside the apartment when a fight occurred between the man and woman. When officers arrived, the suspect and victim were outside fighting when he shot the woman. An officer immediately responded by shooting the suspect.

One officer was involved in the shooting, and three were at the location, Garcia said.

Original Patch Story:

An officer-involved shooting happened Sunday morning in Lakeland at Quarry Rock Road at Cobblestone Landing, the Lakeland Police Department said.

Police have not released further information. This is a developing story. Patch will keep you updated.