TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. (AP) -- Florida authorities say a police officer was shot and killed in Tarpon Springs early Sunday.

Police shooting scene in Tarpon Springs, Florida (WPTV )
Police shooting scene in Tarpon Springs, Florida (WPTV )
loading...

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that the shooting occurred at around 3 a.m. in the Tampa Bay-area city and that a suspect has been taken into custody.

Authorities say the suspect fled the scene of the shooting in a vehicle and crashed into a pole and another vehicle. He was then apprehended by police at that location.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said the officer was a member of the Tarpon Springs Police Department, though no names have been released.

A news conference is to be held later today, the statement said.

(© 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed)

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM