Clearwater Police Fatally Shoot Man Who Fired On Them

CLEARWATER, FL -- A 35-year-old Clearwater man is dead following a shootout with police during the early-morning hours Wednesday.

Clearwater Police Department say the shooting occurred after officers were call at 1:57 a.m. to an apartment at 1444 Gulf to Bay Blvd. to conduct a domestic-related wellness check.

Annie Vann, 33, contacted a family member and reported that her boyfriend was "beating her up." The family member also reported that Vann sent them a message through Facebook Messenger, saying, "Help, call 911, 1444 Gulf to Bay Blvd. He has a gun".

When officers arrived, Vann answered the door and was speaking to officers when Wayne Falana Jr., 35, appeared behind Vann and opened fire on the officers.

Officers scrambled for cover while Falana fired multiple rounds at them. One officer was struck in his boot and another round went through his clothing but didn't penetrate his skin. He was treated at the scene.

As the officers took cover, Falana ran to the front of the apartment and began shooting through the front glass door. He then ran into the road still armed. Officers returned fire in the road in front of 1444 Gulf to Bay Blvd.; striking him multiple times. Falana was pronounced
dead at the scene.

Vann fled the scene as the suspect initially opened fire on the officers and
has not been seen or heard from since. Police are still looking for Vann to
check on her welfare and to speak to her about the sequence of events leading
up to the suspect ambushing officers.

Vann is described as black with a thin build and green hair. She was last seen wearing a cheetah sweater and plaid pajama pants. Clearwater Police are urging anyone with information on Vann or
her whereabouts to call 727-562-4317.

The four officers who fired their weapons will be placed on paid administrative leave while independent investigations are conducted by the Office of the State Attorney, the Clearwater Police Department Criminal Investigations Division and the Office of Professional Standards.

Images via Clearwater Police

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