The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has positively identified Victor Damarius Steen, 17, as the person struck by a Pensacola Police Department (PPD) Officer’s vehicle on Oct. 3.

The incident began when PPD Officer Jerald Ard, 35, observed suspicious activity at a construction site near the area of T Street and Cervantes Street. Steen fled when Officer Ard attempted to stop him for questioning.

Officer Ard followed Steen into a parking lot where he was struck by Ard’s vehicle. Steen was pronounced dead at the scene.

At the time of the incident, Steen was an unidentified person. Investigators recovered a cellular phone at the scene that was used to contact one of Steen’s family members who was able to positively identify him.

Officer Ard has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the FDLE investigation.

For Further Information Contact:
Heather Smith, Kristen Perezluha or Mike Morrison
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001