Man shot by police officer at Suncoast Community High School arrested

A man who walked onto the campus of Suncoast Community High School without authorization and was shot by a police officer in the parking lot has been arrested.

Delroy Thomas is facing five counts related to Monday morning's incident at the Riviera Beach school's campus.

Palm Beach County jail records show he faces charges of resisting an officer with violence, battery on a law enforcement officer, obstruction without violence, trespassing on school grounds and disturbing the peace.

Riviera Beach police spokeswoman Serena Spates-Redding said the officer approached the "unauthorized" man, who "became combative and made physical contact with the officer."

WPTV

"In response, the officer discharged their weapon, resulting in the individual being shot twice," she said.

The man was taken to St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach where he was listed in stable condition Monday afternoon. The officer who fired the shots was also treated at a hospital and later released.

WPTV reporter Jon Shainman spoke with Thomas' mother and brother who said that he is 29 years old and has had a series of mental health issues over the years.

Matthew Kauerauf/WPTV

"No violence, nothing violent," mother Monte Alfred said. "He just has these episodes where he shuts down and won't say nothing."

She said the shooting wasn't necessary.

"He's never been violent," Alfred said. "I'm not talking about the violence. I don't know why that lady shot my son the way she did."

WPTV reporter Joel Lopez spoke with the man's stepfather, Tyrone Rogers, who said the suspect has no connection to the school.