Violent Crime Spree Leaves 2 Dead, Deputy Injured in Pahokee

Suspect intentionally struck deputy with vehicle before being shot, sheriff says

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A violent overnight crime spree in Pahokee, Florida left two people dead, one person injured, and a Palm Beach County deputy hospitalized after investigators say the suspect intentionally ran down the deputy with a vehicle before attempting to shoot him. The suspect, identified as Charles Curtis McLeod, was shot by the deputy and another detective before being taken into custody.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face when responding to violent crimes, as well as the need for continued efforts to address crime and public safety concerns in the Pahokee community.

The details

According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, deputies were first called to an area in Pahokee just after 10:00 p.m. to a report of two people shot, where both victims were found dead. Minutes later, another call came in from a nearby residence reporting gunfire, and a third shooting was reported at a convenience store, where the victim survived. As deputies were securing one of the earlier crime scenes, the suspect, Charles Curtis McLeod, drove back into the area and intentionally struck a deputy, throwing him roughly 40 feet. McLeod then got out of the vehicle with a handgun and was approaching the downed deputy when the deputy and a nearby detective shot him.

  • The initial calls came in just after 10:00 p.m. on February 25, 2026.
  • The suspect struck the deputy sometime after the initial crime scenes were established.

The players

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw

The sheriff overseeing the investigation into the violent crime spree.

Charles Curtis McLeod

The 44-year-old suspect who is accused of carrying out the double homicide and other shootings before intentionally striking the deputy with his vehicle.

The deputy

The Palm Beach County deputy who was struck by McLeod's vehicle and shot at, but was able to return fire and take down the suspect.

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What they’re saying

“Here's what we're looking at this morning: multiple crime scenes and multiple deaths.”

— Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw (wptv.com)

“It knocked the deputy back about 40 feet, and he hit the ground. At that time, the suspect actually got out of this vehicle with a handgun and was going towards a deputy who was on the ground. The deputy was able to get his firearm out and shoot the individual before that guy shot him.”

— Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw (wptv.com)

“His training kicked in. What really kicked in was his courage and his will to survive and not let this guy get out of the car with the gun and shoot him on the ground. That's what the guy's intent was. So yeah, he showed a lot of courage and a lot of stamina.”

— Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw (wptv.com)

What’s next

Detectives say they are '99% positive' McLeod is responsible for the double homicide as well as the additional shootings connected to the spree. Multiple crime scenes remain under investigation as authorities continue to piece together the timeline of events.

The takeaway

This violent crime spree underscores the dangers law enforcement officers face when responding to active threats, and the critical importance of proper training, quick thinking, and courage in the line of duty. It also highlights the need for continued efforts to address crime and improve public safety in the Pahokee community.