Gunshots rang out in the early hours of Sunday morning on Cervantes at the Travel Inn, a block west of Tom Ann Buddy’s.
According to reports, Melvin Coley, 30, of Pensacola was in his vehicle in the parking lot of the Travel Inn, 1801 W. Cervantes St., after visiting a friend when he was approached by a man later identified as Timothy Lowe, 28, of Pensacola.
The two men began arguing over drugs, Lowe produced a handgun, shot multiple times into the car at Coley, and shot him in the leg.
Police Officers Matt Coverdale and Jeremy Pillow, who were on patrol nearby, heard the gunshots and responded to the area. When the officers arrived at the parking lot, they saw Lowe holding a handgun. When Lowe saw the officers, he turned the gun toward them.
Both officers fired and Lowe was hit in the leg. Lowe dropped the gun and ran but was captured by Coverdale after a foot pursuit. Pillow stayed with Coley while Coverdale chased the suspect. Lowe and Coley were taken to a local hospital where they were treated and released.
Lowe was charged with aggravated battery, assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, armed robbery, and resisting an officer with violence.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will conduct an investigation into the shooting, which is standard procedure. The two police officers have been placed on paid administrative leave.
