Christopher Harris, 37, who was shot in the chest at a Port St. Lucie Pollo Tropical on Saturday, now faces battery and aggravated battery charges despite being the shooting victim, according to newly released incident report details that show the shooting stemmed from a dispute over a parking space.
Multiple witnesses told police they observed Harris push another man and engage in a verbal argument before the man discharged a firearm, shooting Harris in the chest. Harris came back inside the restaurant and asked someone to call 911.
A witness picking up an Uber order told police she observed a man pull into a parking space before another vehicle pulled into the space in front of them. The witness said that while exiting Pollo Tropical, the man was following someone out, calling them names and lunging toward them. She said she observed something in the man's hand and the man was so close to the other person that they were almost touching before she saw the other person pull out a firearm and shoot.
A witness picking up a DoorDash order said Harris came into Pollo Tropical yelling at another man over a parking space. The witness said the man exited to get his order, and Harris continued to yell, telling the man to come outside. The witness said Harris held the door open and then approached the man before he heard a gunshot. The witness said the man stated that Harris ran up on him with a knife.
Officers recovered a 9mm handgun from the scene. The Port St. Lucie Police Department confirmed that Harris, listed as a victim in the report, faces charges of battery and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Harris will be booked into the St. Lucie County Jail upon his medical release from the hospital.