Manhunt Intensifies for 22-Year-Old Emmanuel Keevon Dashawn McRae Accused of Shooting West Palm Beach Police Officer on Baker Drive; Officer Hospitalized in Serious Condition

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A massive manhunt is underway across Palm Beach County for 22-year-old Emmanuel Keevon Dashawn McRae, who is accused of shooting a West Palm Beach police officer during a violent confrontation early Wednesday morning. The shocking attack has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and left residents on edge as police agencies across South Florida work together to locate the armed suspect.

According to preliminary reports from the West Palm Beach Police Department (WPBPD), the shooting occurred at approximately 2:15 a.m. in the area of Baker Drive, near the intersection of 45th Street and Broadway Avenue. Officers had responded to the neighborhood after reports of a suspicious individual believed to be involved in recent local disturbances.

When officers attempted to make contact with the suspect, identified as Emmanuel McRae, an altercation reportedly ensued. During the confrontation, McRae allegedly drew a firearm and opened fire on one of the responding officers, striking them before fleeing on foot into the surrounding residential area.

Emergency responders rushed the wounded officer to St. Mary’s Medical Center, where officials say the officer remains in serious but stable condition following emergency surgery. The officer’s identity has not been released at this time in accordance with departmental policy.

WPBPD Chief Frank Adderley addressed the public during a morning press briefing, calling the shooting “a deliberate act of violence against law enforcement” and vowing to bring the suspect to justice.

“We will not rest until this individual is found and taken into custody,” Chief Adderley said. “This was an unprovoked, cowardly act against one of our officers who was simply doing their job — protecting our community.”

Authorities have described McRae as 22 years old, approximately 6 feet tall, 180 pounds, with short black hair and tattoos on both forearms. He was last seen wearing dark clothing and may still be armed and dangerous. Police have deployed K-9 units, drones, and helicopters in the search and have established a perimeter in the area surrounding Baker Drive.

Law enforcement agencies from across the region — including the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Riviera Beach Police, and the Florida Highway Patrol — have joined the effort to locate McRae.

Residents in the area have been urged to remain indoors, secure their homes, and immediately report any suspicious activity. “Do not approach this individual,” police warned in a public safety alert. “Call 911 if you see or hear anything unusual.”

Neighbors described being startled awake by the sound of gunfire and the sight of flashing lights filling the normally quiet residential street.

“It was chaos,” said one resident of Baker Drive. “I heard five or six shots, then police cars everywhere. It’s terrifying to think someone would shoot a cop and then disappear like that.”

Authorities have not yet disclosed what led to the initial encounter, though sources close to the investigation say McRae may have been connected to prior criminal incidents in the area. Court records show that McRae has a history of arrests, including charges related to firearms possession and resisting arrest.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the search for Emmanuel Keevon Dashawn McRae remains active and ongoing. Police have set up checkpoints and are canvassing neighborhoods, urging the public to stay vigilant.

The West Palm Beach Police Benevolent Association has released a statement expressing support for the wounded officer and calling for unity and vigilance during the ongoing investigation.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with our injured officer and their family,” the statement read. “We stand behind our brothers and sisters in blue as they work tirelessly to ensure the suspect is brought to justice.”

Authorities are offering a cash reward for information leading to McRae’s arrest. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 1-800-458-TIPS (8477) or contact local law enforcement immediately.

As the manhunt intensifies, the West Palm Beach community remains united in concern and determination — praying for the recovery of the injured officer and hoping for a swift, safe end to the search for Emmanuel Keevon Dashawn McRae.