An Outstanding Young Man’: Sheriff Honors Fallen Officer After Littleriver Shootout
LITTLERIVER, FLORIDA — A community is in mourning after a young law enforcement officer was killed in a deadly shootout late Sunday night. The Littleriver Sheriff’s Department confirmed the tragic loss and identified the victim as Deputy James Carter, a 27-year-old officer described by Sheriff Tom Briggs as “an excellent officer and an outstanding young man.”
According to authorities, Deputy Carter responded to a call involving a suspected armed individual near the 400 block of Mill Creek Road around 9:45 p.m. As Carter approached the scene, the suspect opened fire, leading to a tense exchange of gunfire. Deputy Carter was struck and later pronounced dead at Littleriver Medical Center.
The suspect, whose name has not been released, was also shot and remains in critical condition.
“This department has lost a brother,” said Sheriff Briggs during a press conference Monday morning. “James was the kind of person every department hopes to have. He served with integrity, compassion, and a sense of duty beyond his years.”
Carter, who joined the force three years ago, was known for his commitment to community policing and mentorship work with local youth programs.
Flags across Littleriver County will be flown at half-staff through the week, and a candlelight vigil is scheduled for Wednesday evening at Town Square.
“This is a hard day for all of us,” Briggs added. “But we will carry James’ legacy forward with the same strength and heart that he showed every single day on this job.”
An investigation is ongoing.
