Published on Saturday, January 13, 2007
in the WFTV News

Two Suspects Captured In Fatal Shooting Of State Trooper

HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. -- Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting of a Florida Highway Patrol trooper in Highlands County.

Few Details have been released, but an FHP spokeswoman said the two were captured Saturday morning.

A news conference is scheduled for to discuss details of the arrests and release further information on Friday's fatal shooting.

From the ground and the air, law enforcement officers hunted for the two suspected gunmen who shot and killed FHP Trooper Nicholas Sottile. Officers searched cars and hovered above from a helicopter Friday night.

Dodson said, “It’s a tragic lose for the Highway Patrol because he was a good guy. I knew him personally. I knew him for 21 years and he was an awesome guy.”

Investigators said the men opened fire and shot Sgt. Sottile in the chest during a traffic stop on US-27, North of Lake Placid. That’s when the Trooper radioed for help.

“He called in on the radio and said, ‘Can you send me some help? I need some back-up’,” said Dodson.

One suspect was seen running into the neighboring orange groves. The other sped away. State Troopers said it’s a terrible loss and they will do whatever it takes to find the men who killed one of their own.

Dodson said, “That vehicle fled the area. It traveled North on US-27 and was later lost by witnesses."

Sgt. Sottile was not wearing a bullet proof vest because Troopers are given the option not to wear them.