Lakeland, Fla. (970 WFLA) - An officer shot an armed carjacking suspect during an exchange of gunfire early Thursday, Lakeland Police Chief Larry Giddens said.
Terrese L. Colston, 28, had carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint Wednesday night, Giddens said. Officer Alex Rethwisch spotted the car at about 12:45 a.m. and followed it. The car lost control and spun out into a grassy area off Interstate Drive. Colston got out and tried to run away. Giddens said that Colston fired at Rethwisch and his officer fired back and struck Colston in the leg.
Colston went to the hospital. Rethwisch suffered minor injuries to his forehead and arm, Giddens said. The Chief believes that Rethwisch acted according to policy.
Photo of Terrrese Colston from Florida Dept. of Corrections