A shootout between an 18-year-old man and Florida police officers ended poorly when the teen shouted “go ahead and kill me” to the officers — and they did. Austin Goodner was pronounced dead soon after at a hospital on Sunday, according to the Associated Press.
As details have emerged, Goodner had started out causing trouble earlier in the afternoon at a pool near downtown St. Petersburg. Police Chief Anthony Holloway told the Associated Press that Goodner confronted four people, and started an argument regarding their sexual orientation.
Goodner jumped on his bike and rode away, but it wasn’t long before he confronted another cyclist, which resulted in Goodner shooting the other man in the arm before making his way to hide in the backyard of his parents’ home, as reported by Heavy .
Police arrived at the home of Diana and Noah Goodner in order to question their son. Diana Goodner said her son was not home, not knowing what was about to take place. As the officers walked back to their vehicles to determine where to go next, Goodner approached the officers with a 9mm in his hand.
Goodner fired his gun at the officers, and Officer Matthew Enhoffer returned fire as Goodner disappeared again behind the house. Two officers followed Goodner, who once again began shooting at the police. It was at that moment when Officer Michael Cordiviola was shot in the leg.
Officer Bryan Lynch acted quickly to pull Cordiviola out of the line of fire.
Cordiviola, a 40-year-old veteran of 10 years with the St. Petersburg police, made a makeshift tourniquet with a garden hose for his leg.
As a third round of shooting ensued, Goodner began shouting at the police, “kill me,” along with, “Get this over with for me,” as he continued shooting and approaching the officers, as reported by St. PetersBlog .
The police returned fire, and one of the shots was a fatal blow to Goodner.
Police say it is a straightforward case, and are still investigating where Goodner may have acquired his 9mm, as his parents say they refused to allow a gun in their family home.
The Associated Press reveals that Goodner has had several incidents of criminal activity, dating back as far as 2009. He had been arrested for approaching police with a knife and a stun gun.
Goodner had been on medication, although it has not been revealed what kind at this point. The St. Petersburg College student had also been involuntarily institutionalized and examined twice in 2013.
Wounded officer Michael Cordiviola will make a full recovery, and should be released from the hospital within a week.
[Photo Credit: Heavy]
