WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Law enforcement in Polk County is investigating a chase that turned deadly Monday afternoon in Winter Haven.
During a news conference, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the investigation spanned between three places including Eagle Lake and Winter Haven, ending on Havendale Boulevard which was blocked off to traffic from around 1:50 p.m.
Judd said Lakeland police officers were conducting surveillance along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and another agency in Eagle Lake when they noticed the suspect, later identified as 21-year-old Alex Greene. Detectives believed he had a connection to the shooting in Lakeland where 11 people were injured, the sheriff explained.
"They suspect he was involved with the shooting last Monday of 11 people in Lakeland," Judd said.
Authorities said Greene had a warrant for burglary. They were hoping to serve the warrant and further conduct an interview in connection to the Lakeland shooting.
Once Greene noticed officers, he jumped into a Silverado pickup truck and began to flee the area – just outside of Eagle Lake, Judd explained. At that time, Lakeland police officers pursued Green, while FDLE and the other agency did not.
The chase led to Havendale Boulevard in Winter Haven, which reportedly is a road normally filled with bumper-to-bumper traffic. Captain Harper of Lakeland PD was successful in creating a PIT maneuver to stop Greene's truck.
But it didn't stop there – Greene hopped out of the car and began "running into traffic," Judd said.
"Traffic was all over the place," Judd exclaimed during the news conference.
The 21-year-old began circling Andrea's Restaurant in Winter Haven and found an elderly woman's car that was unlocked while she visited with friends outside of the restaurant.
Judd said Greene carjacked the elderly woman's car and then drove toward Harper who demanded the man stop. He did not and Harper fired six shots, ultimately hitting Greene.
Greene drove out of the parking lot, swerved and ran into a nearby building, Judd said. He was transported to Winter Haven Hospital where he later died. During Monday's incident, Judd said Greene tallied up 10 felony charges including battery on a law enforcement officer and fleeing to elude.
Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor during the news conference said they he "very comfortable" believing Greene had a connection to the Lakeland shooting that happened a week prior.
"Only the wicked flee," Judd said.
The investigation is ongoing.
Watch the full news conference down below.