South Daytona Police Officer Shot by Suspect

A police officer in South Daytona was shot while pursuing a suspect on I-95 in Volusia County, the Port Orange Police Department said on Sunday. The incident occurred Sunday morning at around 6:00 a.m. following a chase on the highway. The officer who was shot has been is Jake Fessenden of the South Daytona Police Department. Fortunately, he’s said to be in stable condition. The alleged shooter has been identified as Todd Anthony Martin. According to law enforcement, the Port Orange Police Department responded to a call about a shooting on Country Lane in Port Orange. A suspect was identified, but he’s said to have gotten into a vehicle and fled before officers could arrest him. The South Daytona Police Department responded to assist in the pursuit. The police chase came to a conclusion when Martin’s vehicle crashed on I-95 according to law enforcement. All parties had been traveling northbound. After coming to a stop, he reportedly attempted to flee on foot while officers ran after him. Martin allegedly began shooting at those officers. Both Martin and Officer Fessenden were hit in the shootout, the POPD says. At one point Martin is said to have tried to enter a police car and steal it, South Daytona Police Chief Joseph LaSata stated during a Sunday news conference. He wasn’t successful in doing so, but his attempt led to the car catching fire due to an electrical issue. As of 12:04 p.m. on Sunday, Fessenden was said to be in stable condition and awaiting surgery at a local hospital. Chief LaSata said that Fessenden was hit twice. Martin was also hospitalized, but his condition is not known as of Sunday afternoon. “God was on his side today,” LaSata said. “He was hit twice in two critical areas but we’re being told he’s in stable condition and he’s gonna be fine.” An investigation into the shooting began immediately afterward. There was reportedly traffic congestion in the area around I-4 and I-95 near Beville Road.  Fortunately, there were no injuries reported from the shooting call in Port Orange that kicked off Sunday’s dramatic incident.