AUBURNDALE, Fla. (WFLA) – A 27-year-old man was shot and killed after he exchanged fire with officers during a traffic stop in Auburndale on Thurdsay night, police said. One officer was injured in the shooting.

The incident began around 10:45 p.m. in the area of US 92 and Dairy Road when an officer stopped a red Hyundai sedan because its headlight went out.

The officer ran a background check on the driver, Brittany Bass, 29, and the passenger, Sabastian S. Noel, 27, both of Winter Haven, and had reason to believe illegal drugs were inside the car.

He asked for permission to search their car, but they said no.

After Noel and Bass denied being search, the officer called for backup and two other officers responded.

Police said they asked the passengers to exit the car and noticed Noel had a folding knife on his belt.

Police said Noel bolted out of the vehicle and pulled a gun out of his waistband and pointed it at officers. An officer drew his pistol because he feared for his life and there was an exchange of fire, with Noel and two of the officers firing several shots. One officer was hit in the ankle.

Noel was seriously wounded and was taken to a local hospital where he later died. The officer was also hospitalized, but was later released.

Police said Bass was detained, but it’s unclear if she is facing any charges. Her current condition is unknown.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the State’s Attorney’s Office are investigating the incident.

According to online jail records, Noel has previous arrests for burglary, battery, trespassing, resisting an officer without violence, violating his probation, knowingly driving with suspended/revoked license, petit theft, and possession of meth among other charges.

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