This footage, provided by the Pinellas Co. Sheriff's Department in Florida, shows a recently released felon fleeing St. Petersburg police, firing as he runs. When one of the officers returns fire, he is hit in the face. Despite the location of his wound, the suspect survives and is sent back to jail. Viewer discretion is advised.

The video, which is zoomed and slowed at some parts to better show what the officers see, shows one of the officers as he spots the suspect, later identified as Germane Small, 28 years of age. Small was suspected of having fired gunshots in the area. The officer gives chase as Small flees. At 0:19, we see Small turn with a handgun in-hand and fire at the officer. At 01:02, the officer returns fire, despite Small being a not-insignificant distance away at this point.

Not only does the officer manage to hit Small, but he does so in the face. Despite this, Small continues to flee, exchanging fire with the officer, but he collapses in the interstice between two houses. Another officer arrives and provides backup as Small becomes compliant to arrest.

Small was transported to an area hospital, where his wounds were deemed non-life-threatening and treated. A 9mm handgun with drum magazine were retrieved at the scene, and no other persons, officers or otherwise, were injured. For perspective, Small was released on 02 March, 2024 from a nine-year armed robbery bid, and this incident took place on 30 March, 2024.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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