St. Pete Officer Shoots Man With Gun, Investigation Underway

ST. PETE, FL — A man who pointed a gun at a St. Petersburg police officer while trying to run away is in the hospital recovering from his injuries, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Pinellas County detectives are now investigating the officer-involved shooting.

At approximately 8:50 p.m. Thursday, St. Petersburg police officer Christian Collins and his field training officer responded to a call of a man armed with a gun walking in the area of 22nd Avenue South and 34th Street South in St. Petersburg.

Detectives said the officers arrived in the area and saw a man, later identified as 22-year-old Torey Barber, walking with a gun in his hand.

The FTO officer challenged Barber to drop the gun; however, Barber fled on foot northbound on 34th Street South.

Detectives said the FTO officer chased after Barber as Officer Collins followed behind in a fully marked St. Petersburg Police Department vehicle.

Barber ran into the parking lot located at 2140 34th Street South and began running southbound.

According to detectives, Barber pointed his gun at Officer Collins. Officer Collins then fired his gun from the inside of his vehicle striking Barber in the upper body area.

Barber was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Charges are pending.

According to the sheriff's office, Collins was hired by the police department on Feb. 4 of this year.

He's been placed on leave while the investigation into the shooting continues.