Tallahassee Police Conducting Thorough Investigation into Tom Brown Park Incident

May 26, 2023

The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) is committed to conducting a thorough investigation following the incident at Tom Brown Park on May 25.

Yesterday, TPD's Special Investigations Section was conducting an investigation into a suspect known to be trafficking illegal drugs. At approximately 8:30 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle, and he fled from law enforcement. Later in the evening, around 10:30 p.m., a call for service was reported to the Consolidated Dispatch Agency advising the suspect who detectives were searching for was seen in Tom Brown Park with a firearm.

In an abundance of caution, multiple officers and a deputy with the Leon County Sheriff's Office responded to the park to detain the suspect and ensure the safety of everyone in the park.

Upon making contact with the suspect, Durrell Lee, a second man was seen with him whom officers recognized as making prior threats to law enforcement. Additionally, a woman was in the vicinity who was known to be associated with him. Lee was taken into custody for drug-related charges, and the man was detained shortly for questioning. During this time, the woman walked away from the scene. As officers began releasing the man from custody, the woman reemerged and began firing a rifle at officers. In fear for their lives, multiple officers and one deputy fired back at the woman, who sustained injuries.

Officers began rendering life-saving aid on scene to the woman, who was then transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased. The woman's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

TPD remains committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the events leading up to the shooting. Per TPD policy, all officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is underway.