Date:           Thursday, April 25, 2024
Time:          9:28 am
Location:    7000 block of S. Military Trail, SE Corner of Hypoluxo Road and Military Trail

Deputies responded to numerous calls of a suspicious male carrying a long gun (either a shotgun or rifle) pushing a Walmart shopping cart with a second long gun (either a shotgun or rifle), ball and gas can inside. Upon arrival deputies were flagged down by several citizens advising the male was pointing the long gun (either a shotgun or rifle) at them. As deputies approached the suspicious male, he was immediately given commands, “let me see your hands”, “get on the ground”. The male was jittery and uncooperative. At one point he put down the shotgun he was holding and retrieved a rifle. Deputies continued to give him verbal commands, “put the gun down”. A deputy fearing for his safety, the safety of his fellow deputies and the community discharged his agency issued weapon striking the male. Deputies immediately rendered first aid until PBC Fire Rescue arrived, took over and transported the male to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

The male’s name is being withheld until his next of kin is notified.

FDLE (the lead investigators), PBSO Violent Crimes detectives and the State Attorney’s Office investigators are investigating this Deputy Involved Shooting.

PBSO deputy involved is on administrative leave which is standard department protocol.