A Port St. Lucie police sergeant is now alert, communicating, and officially “out of the woods” after being shot twice in the face during a gunfight with an armed suspect, according to Port St. Lucie Police Chief Leo Niemczyk.
The shooting occurred Monday night in the 11000 block of Southwest Lake Park Drive.
Sgt. LeVasseur Shot Twice in the Face During Gunfire Exchange
Sgt. Erick LeVasseur, a 27-year veteran of the Port St. Lucie Police Department, was shot after responding to a call from the suspect’s mother, who reported her son was acting irrationally after days of heavy use of medical-grade marijuana.
When officers arrived, the suspect — Frankie Salvatore Riccio, 32 — fired at them from the garage area of the home. Chief Niemczyk said Riccio fired 10 rounds from a Zastava AK-47-style semi-automatic rifle, striking Sgt. LeVasseur twice in the face.
Officers returned fire, discharging 62 rounds and fatally shooting Riccio as he advanced toward them.
Medical Treatment and Current Condition
Sgt. LeVasseur underwent emergency surgery, including procedures involving both eyes and treatment for facial injuries. The chief confirmed:
Shrapnel was present in both eyes
His jaw is wired shut
He received a tracheostomy
He has been spending more time awake and not sedated
Chief Niemczyk emphasized that Sgt. LeVasseur is alert, aware, writing notes, and even making jokes with his wife and coworkers — a sign that morale within the department has sharply improved.
However, the chief stressed that the extent of his eye function is still unknown, and officials are being cautious about predicting long-term recovery.
Sgt. LeVasseur is expected to be transferred to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce for continued care.
Details on the Suspect
According to police:
Riccio had no prior criminal record
He owned approximately 20 firearms
Police found ballistic vests, gas masks, non-perishable survival food, and a flashbang device inside the home
He appeared to be in a drug-induced, delusional state before the shooting
Community and Department Response
Chief Niemczyk said the outpouring of support from the community, businesses, and local law enforcement agencies has been “overwhelming” and has helped lift the spirits of the department.
Officers involved in the shooting are on standard paid administrative leave and receiving support while the investigation continues.
Body Camera Footage and Ongoing Investigation
Police have released body-worn camera footage showing the rapid escalation of the encounter.
The investigation remains ongoing, and details may be updated as forensic and procedural reviews continue.
