INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The man a jury said shot an Indian River County Sheriff’s Deputy nearly two years ago will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Andrew Coffee Jr., of Gifford, was given a life sentence. He had been convicted on several felonies, including attempted first degree murder of a law enforcement officer by discharging a firearm, battery on a law enforcement officer, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
“I am thankful for the support of my wife and family, including my Sheriff’s Office family,” Dep. Chris Lester said. “I will obviously always remember this, but I am ready to move on and am glad it’s over.”
The shooting occurred in December 2015 during a traffic stop on Old Dixie Highway. The incident escalated when Coffee punched Dep. Lester and then pulled a firearm from his waistband.
Coffee then fired several shots at the deputy. Dep. Lester returned fire and both men sustained injuries.
After the sentencing, Coffee was returned to the Indian River County Jail and will be transported to the Florida Department of Corrections within the next few weeks.