JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Support from surrounding law enforcement agencies is pouring in for two officers injured Wednesday afternoon in a chaotic eight mile long crime spree.
Officers Christopher Rouselle, 29, and Josh Wiggins, 35, and were struck by a stolen vehicle driven by a suspect fleeing an armed robbery at a business on Mayport Road, police said. They are receiving treatment at Memorial Hospital.
FUNDRAISING ACCOUNTS: Officers Christopher Rouselle | Officer Josh Wiggins
"Both of them have a long road to recovery," said Steve Zona, lodge president of the Fraternal Order of Police.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Rouselle has been with the agency for two years, while Wiggins has spent 12 years at JSO.
Zona said there has been an outpouring of support from the police community and the Jacksonville community for the officers and their family members.
"We’re thankful for the community as a whole here in Jacksonville because they always help us and wrap their arms around us during these times," Zona said. "Any time we have an incident like this, obviously, all their peers, they work with all the officers, they work around -- flock to the hospital, they want to be there for their officers and for the family,"
An 84-year-old man who was carjacked and the suspected carjacker were also hospitalized after the pursuit that ended in a crash.
READ: 2 officers, elderly man injured in robbery, carjacking, chase
Messages of support have been circulating on social media. Oak Harbor Church, the congregation the man who was carjacked belongs to, is holding a prayer vigil at 6 p.m. Friday at 2765 Florida A1A.
Our thoughts are with all those involved in today’s events. Wishing for a speedy recovery for the @JSOPIO injured. Great work by all the officers involved in apprehending this dangerous suspect. @NeptBchPolice @JaxBeachPD
— Atlantic Beach PD (@AtlanticBeachPD) January 3, 2019
We 2nd the Chief's sentiment, effective multiagency response is directly linked to good officers and good training.
— FHPJacksonville (@FHPJacksonville) January 3, 2019
Great job to all agencies involved. Hearty prayers to the officers injured for a quick and full recovery. @JSOPIO @AtlanticBeachPD @NeptBchPolice @FLHSMV https://t.co/sq4mVxb3hz
