Trooper injured in Wesley Chapel shootout earns top honors

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. - The Florida Highway Patrol’s ‘Trooper of the Year’ hails from the Bay Area and was injured when a suspect opened fire following a chase through Hernando and Pasco Counties in 2023.

On Friday, FHP honored Steven Turner of Troop C with the annual award.

In February 2023, Turner was on routine patrol driving northbound on I-75 when he pulled over around 3:15 a.m. to check on what he thought were a couple of disabled vehicles.

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According to FHP, one vehicle had broken down, but the other took off. The agency added that both vehicles had been stolen.

Trooper Turner with State Attorney Ashley Moody.

Turner chased the vehicle that drove off northbound on I-75 into Hernando County, where someone inside fired shots at a moving tanker truck.

The driver then made a U-turn and drove southbound on I-75 and got off at Overpass Road in Wesley Chapel.

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As the suspects tried to get off the interstate, Trooper Turner did a pit maneuver that stopped the stolen vehicle.

A truck with crime scene tape around it following a fatal shooting involving a state trooper.

"After the pit maneuver, which is a tough thing in and of itself, he pursued a person they knew had already shot at troopers and gas tanker, into the woods at night," stated Florida’s Attorney General Ashley Moody. "What person, besides someone like you would rush into danger? For your bravery and selfless service we recognize you as the Trooper of the Year."

The two suspects inside the truck ran away and Trooper Turner chased them into a heavily wooded area.

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While running through the woods, one suspect shot Turner in the stomach. He returned fire, killing the suspect at the scene.

Full Interview: Fatal trooper-involved shooting

One person is in custody and one person is dead following a trooper-involved shooting in Wesley Chapel Saturday morning.

Turner was airlifted to a Tampa hospital where he underwent surgery and spent nine days in the hospital.

Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze II said, "Law enforcement officers respond to dangerous situations daily with the expectation that their presence will bring order and calm to chaotic and often unpredictable encounters. Every day, our troopers bravely step up to defend Florida against those who attempt to victimize others. Trooper Turner’s incredible courage is inspiring, and we thank Attorney General Moody for recognizing his efforts and selfless service in protecting Florida from dangerous criminals."

This is the second year in a row that a trooper with Troop C was recognized as Trooper of the Year.

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