A 35-year-old man was fatally shot by Port St. Lucie Police Department officers on April 25, 2025, after charging at them with a large butcher knife on Montilla Way. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. in the Spanish Lakes Golf Village community, a neighborhood located north of Southeast Walton Road and east of U.S. 1.

Details of the Port St. Lucie Police Shooting Incident

Port St. Lucie Police responded to a domestic violence call involving Alexander Taylor, 35, who was reportedly armed with a large butcher knife. According to the official police statement, the caller informed dispatchers that Taylor was attacking him and warned that Taylor might attempt “suicide by cop,” potentially using the knife against responding officers. This incident closely mirrors a recent case where police fatally shot a man armed with an explosive device during a domestic violence incident.

Dispatchers overheard yelling during the call, including a voice stating, “the police better have their guns drawn,” according to the official press release from the Port St. Lucie Police Department.

Confrontation and Police Response

Upon arrival, officers approached the residence on Montilla Way. Taylor immediately ran toward them wielding the butcher knife, ignoring repeated commands to drop the weapon. Officers discharged their firearms, striking Taylor multiple times in the chest. For additional context on officer-involved shootings, see our detailed report on a fatal officer-involved shooting in Port St. Lucie.

Taylor was transported to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, where he was pronounced deceased. The two responding officers involved in the shooting were uninjured but were transported to St. Lucie Medical Center for evaluation. They have since been placed on paid administrative leave, in accordance with departmental policy.

Community Reaction in Spanish Lakes Golf Village

The day following the incident, Montilla Way appeared calm, with residents resuming daily activities. Phil Moran, a local resident who recently moved to the area from Portofino Shores in Fort Pierce, expressed shock over the event.

“It was shocking,” Moran stated. “I don’t know them at all other than saying ‘Hi,’ when I walked my dog by.” Moran emphasized that the Spanish Lakes Golf Village community is typically peaceful and friendly, with neighbors looking out for one another.

Investigation by Florida Department of Law Enforcement

The investigation into the shooting has been handed over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Port St. Lucie Police Chief Leo Niemczyk explained that the officers’ use of deadly force was necessary under the circumstances. Additional details on the investigation can be found in our latest update where Port St. Lucie police shared new details on a recent weekend officer-involved shooting.

“People can close the space between an officer and a suspect rapidly, and you need a very significant amount of space to use any alternative other than lethal force in that situation,” Chief Niemczyk said. “These officers didn’t have time to plan anything less lethal.”

Location of the Incident in Port St. Lucie

The shooting took place in the Spanish Lakes Golf Village neighborhood, specifically on Montilla Way. The community is situated east of U.S. 1 and north of Southeast Walton Road, a generally quiet residential area known for its active adult lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Port St. Lucie Police Shooting

What happened during the Port St. Lucie police shooting?

Port St. Lucie police officers shot a man who charged at them with a butcher knife after responding to a domestic violence call. The man, identified as Alexander Taylor, died from his injuries.

Where did the Port St. Lucie police shooting occur?

The incident occurred on Montilla Way in the Spanish Lakes Golf Village community, located in eastern Port St. Lucie near U.S. 1.

Are the officers involved in the Port St. Lucie shooting injured?

No, the two officers involved were not injured. They were evaluated at St. Lucie Medical Center and placed on administrative leave during the investigation.

Who is investigating the Port St. Lucie police shooting?

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident.

Can residents expect increased police presence in Spanish Lakes Golf Village?

Typically after incidents like this, police may temporarily increase patrols to reassure residents. However, the community remains generally peaceful and safe.

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