St. Petersburg police are still trying to sort out how a local teen got a loaded handgun and ended up shooting a police officer and rattling the department.
St. Petersburg Police Office Michael Cordiviola is recovering at Bayfront Medical Center after being shot in the leg on Sunday. Two other officers at the scene, Matthew Enhoffer and Brian Lynch, were not injured.
St. Petersburg Police Chief Holloway said the wounded officer’s training kicked in and he used a nearby garden hose as a tourniquet until medical help could arrive.
A police spokesperson said Cordiviola is doing well. Cordiviola has been with the department for 10 years and is also an Army Reservist.
The suspect, 18-year-old Austin Goodner was shot and killed by police.
Police are still investigating where the suspect, who had a history of criminal and mental problems, got the gun.
The incident began around 6 p.m. Sunday when Goodner got into an argument with Norman Seibert, 60, who was on his bicycle. During the argument Seibert suffered a gunshot wound to the arm.
When officers arrived at Goodner’s house he challenged them with a 9 mm handgun. He traded gunfire with police, wounding Officer Cordiviola.
According to police, during the gunfight Goodner repeatedly called for police to end his life.
Holloway said the shooting has shaken the department.
“We’re going to get through it. I mean, one of our family members was hurt. We suffer from that but we’re going to get back on track again,” said Holloway.
