Corporal Matt Aitken released from hospital

Earlier today, Corporal Matt Aitken was released from the hospital! Our PCSO family and other members of the first responder community were on-hand to join in the celebration. Many thanks to the Lealman Fire District, Sunstar Paramedics, and the incredible staff at Bayfront Health for the incredible care they provided to Corporal Aitken.

Last Sunday evening, deputies responded to a call of a vehicle burglary in unincorporated St. Petersburg. Corporal Matt Aitken and K-9 Taco spotted the suspect, Zion Bostick, near a church and began tracking him accompanied by Sergeant Jake Viano. They tracked into a fenced backyard where Bostick was waiting and opened fire on Corporal Aitken, striking him in the neck, wrist, and leg. The suspect then shot at Sergeant Viano, who returned fire, killing the suspect.Thank you all for your support and well wishes for him and his family as he makes what we expect will be a full recovery.