"He's very thankful for being able to do what he did," Sheriff Gualtieri said. "He did a stellar job being able to assess that threat. His last known address was in Tampa. That's when Aitken and Taco, assisted by Viano, began to track him. . Officials said the suspect was "waiting" for deputies before firing at them. Will DeSantis have to resign to run for president? Bostick, instead of doing what many criminals do and run away, Gualtieri said, waited behind the house with his gun in his hand and began shooting at Aitken. Holloway says because this incident involves a sheriffs deputy, the St. Pete Police Department is handling the investigation. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. He said he spoke with Sheriff Gualtieri, who reassured him that his recollection of the events were accurate. Four deputies shot at Hubbard, killing him. Cpl. PINELLAS PARK, Fla. Chilling moments captured on body camera video show the ending of a chase-turned-shootout that left a Pinellas County deputy injured and a 23-year-old man dead. Dashcam and bodycam video of the incident was released back on July 6. State Attorney Bruce Bartlett concluded in a letter that was sent to Sheriff Bob Gualtieri stating, "It is the conclusion of the State Attorney's Office that Deputy Smith, Detective Abbott, Corporal Hellstern, and Detective Flournoy shot and killed Robert Hubbard while in the performance of their legal duties, and the death constitutes a justifiable homicide under Florida Statutes 776.012.". Example video title will go here for this video. SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. (WFLA) A man who was shot during an encounter with Pinellas County deputies on Thursday afternoon has died, police say. Just by the grace of God, I survived the ambush. Pinellas County deputy recovering after suffering three gunshot wounds in an ambush, Sheriff: Suspect who 'ambushed' deputies was killed by sergeant after wounding K9 handler. State environmental officials said very low levels of red tide were reported this week along Clearwater Beach and the Dunedin Causeway. According to data from Pinellas County, the average single-family home in Pinellas is $400,000. Gualtieri said Bostick was arrested 18 times, including 34 different felonies and 22 different misdemeanor charges. Pinellas County Sheriff's Office K-9 Corporal Matthew Aitken, 40, was shot three times Sunday night while following a suspect, later identified as Zion Bostick, according to the St.. So, whether he was planning on committing suicide or whatever, but he did tell her that after he had already gotten involved in the altercation with her and with her child," Holloway said. Officials recount deadly St. Pete deputy-involved shooting Red tide has just about disappeared from the Pinellas beaches, but still remains along the southern Sarasota coast. Bostick then ducked back behind the home, leading Aitken and Taco to assume a pursuit. The video was released Thursday morning by Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri during a news conference. I don't know if he was planning on going somewhere. Aitken spotted Bostick trying to hide around the corner of the house, officials said, and "verbally challenged him. The Clearwater Police Department says Robert Hubbard, 43, died after the shooting. Both the sheriff, sergeant and corporal all credited K-9 Taco as also being an integral part of finding Bostick and distracting him enough for Viano to return fire. One person is dead after a shooting in St. Petersburg, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said Sunday. Matthew Aitken and Sgt. Cpl. Officers responded at . The suspect was killed by another deputy who returned fire, the authorities said. Ordered him to come out of the car. Sgt. Police are asking drivers and residents to avoid the area, although no traffic problems were reported. St. Petersburg Police said, per department policy, Officer Morrow will be placed on no-duty status. Matthew Aitken and Sgt. The actions of the four deputies were considered a justifiable homicide under Florida law, officials said. From Viano's body camera, you can see just after Aitken and Taco go over the fence, he tried to go around the fence for a moment before quickly deciding to also scale the fence, too. It was started to ensure investigations into law enforcement use of deadly force are objective. He says a few seconds later, several law enforcement sped past his house. An early Sunday morning hit and run led to one man being shot dead by police in a St. Petersburg home, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said. Sergeant Jacob Viano and K-9 Corporal Matthew Aitken, with K-9 Taco, were chasing 23-year-old Zion Bostick, who was accused of trying to break into several cars. Viano and the K9 werent hurt. Police say two bullets hit the car, and one hit the teenager's leg. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Three weeks after the shooting, which sent one of the deputies to the hospital, the sheriff's office has released body camera video of what happened. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Aitken's body camera shows Taco almost immediately start moving toward a house, then you can hear Aitken yelling for someone to put their hands up as he and Taco start running toward the building. According . In regard to the witness who confronted Bostick, the police chief said it is not a move he would recommend. and last updated 8:08 PM, Apr 21, 2022 PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. Newly released surveillance video from an officer-involved shooting that injured a Pinellas Park police officer on Tuesday. "There is no information that I've seen to this date that indicates whether these deputies had any other option other than touse deadly force to defend themselves.". Officials said the suspect was "waiting" for deputies before firing at them. Cpl. Officers closed off Philippe Pkwy north of Enterprise Rd near Philippe Park for several hours. After Hubbard was shot and deemed to not be armed anymore, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri says deputies started to perform life-saving measures on him. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Pinellas County deputies investigate Monday double shooting He not only saved his own life, but he saved Matts life.". Sergeant Jacob Viano, 49, who was backing up the deputy, fired back, killing Bostick. "He went and confronted the guy. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Jacob Viano joined Cpl. "K-9 handlers train a lot with their dogs for the gunshot scenario but one never really knows how the K9 is going to react in a real situation. The stolen car was then linked to an attempted robbery outside of an Outback in Trinity in Pasco County. "I wouldnt take it to the next level," Chief Holloway said. Officials said Bostick didn't appear for a court hearing on March 7 for attempted burglary and driving with a suspended license charges. Aitken said he has not watched the body camera video of himself being shot by the suspect. But dont try to confront the person. Updated: Apr 6, 2023 / 11:04 AM EDT PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) In a news conference on Thursday, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri discussed a deadly deputy-involved shooting. The Highway Patrol does not have a description of a suspect, it said, nor has it identified a reason for the shooting. State attorney deems deputy-involved shooting justified - WTSP Pinellas County deputies involved in June shooting deemed - WTSP Red tide still present around parts of Pinellas and Sarasota counties It all started at 3:48 a.m. Sunday, when. The sheriff added the agency would not release the raw video due to the graphic nature of some parts. Largo police arrested Suzanne Mulalley, 61 . "He told his mom he would not go back to prison," Chief Holloway said. SPPD is leading the investigation into the shooting as part of the Pinellas County Deadly Force Task Force. Brian Rea, California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, California Consumer Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, A suspect was fatally shot after he allegedly shot and injured a Pinellas County Sheriffs Office deputy while allegedly trying to break into cars, according to authorities, St. Petersburg Police Department officials identified the suspect on Monday as 23-year-old Zion Bostick. St. Pete man dead after deputy-involved shooting; SPPD investigating. A teenage girl is in stable condition after being shot in the leg Friday night while riding in a car with her father on Interstate 4 outside Plant City, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. He and Taco will be reunited Friday, he added. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, FL Panthers oust Bruins 4-3 in OT in Game 7, 1 killed when plane slams into LA neighborhood, St. Pete donut shop damaged after car crashes into, White Sox stop slide with wild 12-9 win against Rays, Where you can use expired Bed Bath & Beyond coupons, Family of Pass-a-Grille drowning victims speaks out, Toddler of Bucs linebacker drowned Sunday, police, Womans Medicare cut off after gov. In a news release, deputies said the suspect "immediately fired several rounds at Corporal Aitken." Its hard on everybody in the law enforcement community.". The sheriff didn't elaborate further. Wed just rather for you to call us and if you can keep an eye on the person. Holloway said the mother and her son both suffered minor injuries. 4:55 p.m. update: The suspect in the case has died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to investigators. The incident came less than two weeks after a woman was killed and a man critically injured in a suspected road-rage shooting on I-4 in Plant City. Learn More. A man got out of the car and pointed a handgun at police. 2023 FOX Television Stations, until MON 8:00 PM EDT, Pinellas County, Coastal Hillsborough County, Coastal Manatee County, Coastal Sarasota County, New Port Richey dad dies while saving 6-year-old child from drowning, National Hurricane Center announces changes ahead of upcoming 2023 season, Elderly man with Alzheimer's found during search for robbery suspect in Tampa, Missing Arkansas teen found in Tampa more than two months after she was last seen, investigators say, Largo lawyer murder: Blood, firearms, $280,000 cash found in search of surgeon's vehicles, home, police say, USF football player arrested for domestic battery, 2-year-old daughter of Bucs linebacker Shaquil Barrett drowns in swimming pool, Heart attack survivor competes in St. Anthony's triathlon after hospital saved her life, Auburndale man arrested in connection with shooting that left three hospitalized, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation receives one of its largest financial gifts. The shooting incident took place at approximately 7:20 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023. "I think the only reason why that suspect missed me was because of the dog engaging him when he did.". Police say the man was waiting for them and fired several shots, hitting Aitken. Pinellas County sheriff's office release deadly shooting body cam Deputies are still on the hunt. Please note the sheriff's office video shows the moment Bostick fell to the ground after being fatally shot. If it wasn't for a second deputy who was at the call that night, it's possible K9 Corporal Matthew Aitken would've been shot dead by the Bostick, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said. Local Pinellas County leaders create plan to tackle affordable housing 6 gal. Thats the type of people out there that we deal with.". They had several things that they had planned out to do, but the deceased came out of the home before they could put their plan in place," Holloway said. "Luckily Taco's training, he did exactly what he was trained to do.". Class begins 2 hours earlier at these Pinellas County schools next year Zion Bostik was killed after opening fire on Pinellas County deputies an a K-9. In Sarasota County, low levels were found along Lido Beach, Siesta Beach and Nokomis Beach. Detectives believe Sage Gayle Curry, of Largo,. Three weeks after the shooting, which sent one of the deputies to the hospital, the sheriff's office has released body camera video of what happened. Those charges, Gualtieri said, include grand theft, drug crimes and crimes with guns, and Bostick has gone to state prison twice. Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office responded to reports of a shooting at 8300 Ulmerton Road, which is on the corner of Ulmerton Road and Wild Acres Road. It was still light outside around 7 p.m. Sunday, March 12 when Pinellas County Sheriff's Office K-9 Cpl. Viano was able to get back up and fire several shots at Bostick, killing him. 26, 2023. Sgt. Because of his experience and grit, Matt survived this," the sheriff explained during Monday's press conference. Immediately after seeing the weapon, shots fire out from four deputies' guns, totaling up to 59 rounds, the chief said. Thank God nothing happened to that gentleman, but at the same time he did the right thing because he saw someone committing a crime in his community and he didnt want that in his community, he said. Largo woman allegedly shot, killed parrot during fight with husband The shooting, which the state attorney's office later ruled justified, happened on March 12. SPPD Chief Anthony Holloway said Pinellas County detectives . Taco scaled the fence with Aitken right behind him. Crime, Crashes and Fires | tbnweekly.com The man was pronounced dead at the scene. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. An early Sunday morning hit and run led to one man being shot dead by police in a St. Petersburg home, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said. Family, police ask help in solving fatal I-4 shooting That victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Aitken and video from his body camera shows the events play out. Holloway said deputies used that video to create their plan to make contact with the suspect. You can watch the full news conference below. [Photo illustration by ASHLEY DYE and BOYZELL HOSEY | Times], Tucker Carlson out at Fox News, network confirms, St. Petersburg police announce 69 arrests in street racing crackdown, Disney starts 2nd round of layoffs across theme parks, ESPN, Lightning look at Game 4 on home ice as must-win against Maple Leafs, DeSantis starts foreign trip with meetings with Japanese leaders. Paramedics treated one victim, an adult male, with life-threatening injuries, at the scene. Largo 19-year-old killed two women in knife attack, police say 2 killed, 1 injured in Pinellas Park parking lot shooting - WFTS The deputy was struck three times. "He told deputies that he had to shoot to defend himself. Download it here. Residents in the Greenbriar neighborhood woke up before 4 a.m. to police activity outside their front doors. They identified those officers as Robert Smith, Daniel Abbott, Anthony Hellstern and Demarcus Flournoy. Best gifts for the graduate with travel plans, Mothers Day inspo: This foot massager has 20,000, Texas baseball player hit by gunfire during game, Much quieter weather pattern starts Monday, Virginia doctor accused of illegal oxycodone scheme, St. Anthonys Triathlon prevails despite storms, BestReviews.com - Top gifts to make everyone happy this spring, Drew Barrymores Walmart collection is perfect for, Best Mothers Day gifts for the budding plant mom, Best Mothers Day Gifts for moms obsessed with books. When our phones went off and then you see where a deputy is shot, trust me that phone call, getting here is the longest drive in your life, trying to update, trying to figure out whats going on with that deputy. Updated: Apr 26, 2023 / 08:40 AM EDT. A teenage girl is in stable condition after being shot in the leg Friday night while riding in a car with her father on Interstate 4 outside Plant City, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. According to . St. Pete man dead after deputy-involved shooting - WFTS Before 7 p.m., deputies learned of a vehicle burglary in the 6300 block of 60th Avenue North, an unincorporated area of the county. Pinellas County Sheriff's Office via AP Deputies investigating shooting at 8300 Ulmerton Road in Unincorporated It's located at 6300 62nd Avenue North. He identified the. SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. Editor's note: The video above is from a July 6, 2022 report. Victim's girlfriend says Florida gunman provoked fatal - ABC News 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Aitkenand his K9 Taco began tracking Bostick. "If Viano hadnt run with him, he wouldnt be here today.". They quickly lay eyes on Bostik and run toward him. Get notified on your phone in the morning with the latest forecast and news to start your day. According to St. Petersburg Police, officers forced open the door of the home and found Gus Spanoudis in a back bedroom. He said getting the call that the deputy was injured was not easy. The individual followed the suspect and provided updates to the agency. UPDATED 12:15 PM ET Oct. 04, 2021. DADE CITY, fla. - A crowd was celebrating a birthday at a Dade City park when shots were fired, injuring three people and killing one person. The sheriff explained it gave Viano enough time to get over the fence and get to the ground when Bostick turned his gun from Aitken to Viano. Chief Deputy Paul Halle of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, said the mother, 53-year-old Jill Kiley, called 911, saying her son, 31-year-old Cody, got her handgun and was threatening her. When the deputies got there, the suspect . No one else has been arrested. Aitkenis currently in stable condition. Sergeant Jacob Viano, 49, who was backing up the deputy, fired back, killing Bostick Officials said it happened in the Pinellas Park area in the 6300 block of 60th Avenue just before 7 p.m.. PUBLISHED 9:40 PM ET Apr. Hes got a lot of medical issues. That moment of hesitation, Gualtieri said, may have been exactly what kept both officers alive. Sgt. PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. The State Attorney's Office released the results of their investigation into a shooting that left a Pinellas County deputy in the hospital and a 23-year-old man dead. Aitken and three shots at Sgt. Example video title will go here for this video. "We understand, as the handler, that you're probably not going to make it through the ambush situation. of coma in a bottle bound for Hillsborough:, Crystal River named among top summer vacation destinations, Storm erosion reveals second shipwreck along Florida, Gasparilla Music Festival to kick off this weekend, New coaster coming to SeaWorld Orlando next month, Check out this hidden gem in Safety Harbor: Whimzeyland, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. A chase ensued through Clearwater and into Safety Harbor. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. When he walked to the sidewalk, he heard gunshots. Argument-turned-shootout leaves 1 dead at Pinellas Park apartment and Paramedics treated one victim, an adult male, with life-threatening injuries, at the scene. Updated April 24, 2023 8:53AM. Viano. The shooting was reported just after 10 a.m. Wednesday in the area of 45th Street and 76th Avenue. We are asking for a one time contribution or contribution on a monthly basis to help continue IONTB to flourish and enhance the coverage of news in the Tampa Bay area. Hillsborough nixes gopher tortoise safeguards. Sgt. Please do that but dont try to confront the person. That's a 63% increase over the past five years. Police: Shooting at Dade City birthday party kills 1, injures 3 "I should also say on this call the deceased told his ex-girlfriend that this might be the last night that you see me. TAMPA, Fla. - The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a shooting that happened on Friday night. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Pinellas K-9 deputy injured, suspect killed in shooting Officials said he is expected to be OK. His dog was not injured. Aitken said he and Sgt. Aitken and K9 Taco (Pinellas County Sheriff's Office). Thank God nothing happened to that gentleman but at the same time he did the right thing because he saw someone commit the crime in his community and he didnt want that in his community.". "If Viano hadnt run with him, he wouldnt be here today," Sheriff Gualtieri said. Chief Holloway said it's always a scary time when law enforcement learns one of their own was injured. Learn More. In Clearwater, it's $1,494, and in Largo . declares her, Alleged fraud could mean curtain call for theater, Womans car totaled in her driveway by Amazon driver, Missing Largo lawyers husband talks about love &. Police say the alert they got concerning the suspect mentioned he was armed and dangerous and had wishes to have a shootout with law enforcement.