A Port St. Lucie police officer sustained a gunshot wound to the face while attending to a service call on Monday night, according to local authorities.

At approximately 6 p.m., six police officers arrived at a residence located on the 11000 block of SW Lake Park Drive, responding to the call.

Almost immediately after reaching the location, they encountered an adult male armed with an assault rifle outside the house. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, the suspect was shot and killed, as reported by Police Chief Leo Niemczyk.

Chief Niemczyk identified the wounded officer as Sgt. Erik LeVasseur, a dedicated member of the force with 27 years of service. Fortunately, no other officers present at the scene sustained injuries, Niemczyk added.

An officer was seen pacing the scene of the crime at the 11000 block of SW Lake Park Drive in Port St. Lucie. (WPTV)

Though details are still preliminary, Niemczyk said that the incident stemmed from a neighbor dispute involving a mental health call.

A Port St. Lucie, Fla., police cruiser.  (X/@PSLPolice)

“It’s the notification that you just dread every day, but it’s always in the back of your mind, as a police chief, as a leader in law enforcement. It’s something that you’re always very aware of, afraid of, concerned for, and then it happens,” Niemczyk said.

Officers on scene in the 11000 block of SW Lake Park Drive in Port St. Lucie, Fla.  (WPTV)

Sgt. LeVasseur was taken to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce and remains in surgery.

“We’re very optimistic for his prognosis. And at this time, we’re just asking for prayers,” Niemczyk said.

An investigation is ongoing.