6 gal. The suspect was identified as 23-year-old Zion Bostick, who was released from state prison exactly one year before Sunday's shooting: March 12, 2022. The incident was a hostage situation involving three people, with a woman being released at about 3 p.m. Pinellas County deputies investigate Monday double shooting "I think the only reason why that suspect missed me was because of the dog engaging him when he did.". Crime, Crashes and Fires | tbnweekly.com "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.". The couple who lives in that home said they heard bullets flying everywhere and hunkered down in their bedroom. The sergeant fired back and Bostick died at the scene. The suspect was killed by another deputy who returned fire, the authorities said. Updated April 24, 2023 8:53AM. Aitkenis currently in stable condition. Gualtieri added Aitken had not and didn't want to see the video footage of the shooting. The Clearwater Police Department says Robert Hubbard, 43, died after the shooting. Aitken is 40 years old and has a wife and young daughter, the sheriff said. PREVIOUS: Tampa unveils 100 tiny homes to help homeless with transitional housing. He is expected to be OK, but has several medical issues he now faces. Thats the type of people out there that we deal with.". 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. One of the bullets went into the car and hit the 14-year-old girl in the leg. Pinellas County sheriff's office release deadly shooting body cam Michael Drejka, 48, was arrested Monday morning in the fatal July shooting of Markeis McGlockton in Clearwater, Florida -- an incident that was caught on video which sparked an uproar after its release. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Its hard on everybody in the law enforcement community.". 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. Think of it as just giving up just a couple of your favorite coffee drinks each month. Aitken and three shots at Sgt. The Clearwater Police Department and Pinellas Park Police Department will also be investigating. Aitken and his K-9 Taco tracked the suspect to a nearby backyard. Paramedics treated one victim, an adult male, with life-threatening injuries, at the scene. Sergeant Jacob Viano, 49, who was backing up the deputy fired back, killing Bostick. Holloway said the man ran from the home before deputies arrived. Its complicated: Insurance commr on premium hikes, USF football player arrested for domestic violence, Lightnings season ends after OT loss to Maple Leafs, A look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 NFL draft, Lightning fans kept hope alive during series against, Selmons legacy lives on through USF mentorship program, Steinbrenner HS senior trades sports for volunteering, How your electronics will be recycled after Shred-A-Thon, Millions exposed to life-shortening pollution: report, Arthur Jones, first Black USF student-athlete, honored. Gualtieri explains Taco had spotted Bostick hiding behind the corner of a home. Remembering the Pinellas Park High shooting, a 'precursor' to gun "This is where things lined up for the good guys, in some good and unexplainable way. Hillsborough nixes gopher tortoise safeguards. Aitken was hit three times in his neck, wrist and leg. Michael Drejka is seen in an Aug. 13, 2018 photo provided by the Pinellas County, Fla., Sheriff's Office. Argument-turned-shootout leaves 1 dead at Pinellas Park apartment 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. Bostick reportedly ran behind a local church and continued through the woods into a Pinellas Park neighborhood, located in the area of 60th Avenue North and 64th Street North. Dashcam and bodycam video of the incident was released back on July 6. Officials said he is expected to be OK. His dog was not injured. 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. "We understand, as the handler, that you're probably not going to make it through the ambush situation. No one else has been arrested. It showed Hubbard getting out of his car with a gun pointed toward law enforcement. Then, they heard gunfire. "Viano was able to kill this guy before he fired additional rounds into Matt while he was laying on the ground. After several shots were fired by Bostick, Viano was able to return fire, ultimately shooting the fatal shot that killed Bostick. He fell down. Vianois on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. St. Pete man dead after deputy-involved shooting; SPPD investigating. A shooting by Pinellas County deputies that killed a 43-year-old man was determined to be justifiable, the State Attorney's Office announced on Thursday. Aitken spent some time in the hospital, but has since been released. The actions of the four deputies were considered a justifiable homicide under Florida law, officials said. 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. 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. PINELLAS PARK, Fla. Two people were killed and a third was injured early Monday morning in a shooting, Pinellas Park Police said. Two Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputies say they feel lucky to be alive after coming face-to-face with a suspected thief who opened fire. Holloway said two of the four deputies fired their weapons. LARGO, Fla. (WFLA) A Largo woman allegedly shot and killed an African grey bird during a drunken fight with her husband, according to an affidavit. It all started at 3:48 a.m. Sunday, when St. Petersburg Police were called to a reported hit and run in the area of 13th Avenue North and 50th Street North. St. Petersburg Police said, per department policy, Officer Morrow will be placed on no-duty status. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. "He did a stellar job being able to assess that threat. The sheriff said an arrangement was made for him to plead guilty. Victim's girlfriend says Florida gunman provoked fatal - ABC News Example video title will go here for this video. Officials said the suspect was "waiting" for deputies before firing at them. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. He says a few seconds later, several law enforcement sped past his house. In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, a spokesman for Clearwater police said the incident stemmed from an armed carjacking in Hillsborough County. 26, 2023. IONTB LLC bringing you timely news in the Tampa Bay area, IONTB Streaming Scanner Services now available, ****IONTB Streaming Scanner Services now available****, One dead, one injured in Tarpon Springs shooting, State Attorney files intent to seek the death penalty in two recent high-profile murders in Pinellas County, Blaze Erupts Twice at the Beach Mobile Home Park in Gulfport. During a press conference April 6, Aitken also credited Taco's training to his survival. "Viano was able to kill this guy before he fired additional rounds into [Cpl. Random Pinellas shootings leave 1 dead, 1 injured, sheriff says Sgt. SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. (WFLA) A man who was shot during an encounter with Pinellas County deputies on Thursday afternoon has died, police say. When the deputies got there, the suspect . Officers closed off Philippe Pkwy north of Enterprise Rd near Philippe Park for several hours. That victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Red tide still present around parts of Pinellas and Sarasota counties Viano, who jumped to the ground to dodge the gunfire. Whether its a short vacation or theyre jetting off to begin their career, show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. A woman was killed and a man remains in critical condition after a shooting Tuesday night on Interstate 4 near Plant City. Investigators said Bostickfled behind the church, through a wooded area, and into a neighborhood. The sheriff didn't elaborate further. Sergeant Jacob Viano, 49, who was backing up the deputy, fired back, killing Bostick. SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. (WFLA) A man who was shot during an encounter with Pinellas County deputies on Thursday afternoon has died, police say. Before 7 p.m., deputies learned of a vehicle burglary in the 6300 block of 60th Avenue North, an unincorporated area of the county. The video . (Courtesy of Pinellas County Sheriff's Office), Spectrum News Staff The newly released body camera video shows the deputies scaling the yard's fence, helping Taco over, as well. Sgt. Police say two bullets hit the car, and one hit the teenager's leg. 2 killed, 1 injured in Pinellas Park parking lot shooting - WFTS FOX 13 News Armed man fatally shot by Pinellas deputies at Clearwater home Elizabeth Fry reports CLEARWATER, Fla. - A deputy-involved shooting took place in a Clearwater neighborhood, leaving one person dead, officials said. Police detail arrest in Clearwater Beach surf shop shooting that killed 1 One died. Aitken spotted Bostick trying to hide around the corner of the house, officials said, and "verbally challenged him. PUBLISHED 9:40 PM ET Apr. The shooting incident took place at approximately 7:20 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023. "He decided he was going to kill two deputy sheriffs. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gaultieri said detectives with the Pinellas County Use of Deadly Force Investigative Task Force are handling the investigation into the shooting. Aitkenand his K9 Taco began tracking Bostick. It all happened in front of hundreds of students in a crowded lunchroom. Deputies responded to the man's nearby home on 38th Street North just after 10:30 p.m. "They were going to try to call him. I think he is going to pull through. Aitken and K9 Taco (Pinellas County Sheriff's Office). "It looks like he was just coming out. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Updates as released by the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office. "The suspect was waiting for them and as the K9 and the handler cleared the building, that's when the suspect shot at the deputy," explained Chief Holloway. The Florida Highway Patrol said it hadnt identified a reason for the Friday night shooting. Family, police ask help in solving fatal I-4 shooting Class begins 2 hours earlier at these Pinellas County schools next year ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. St. Pete Police are leading the investigation into a deadly deputy-involved shooting that happened on Monday night. In Clearwater, it's $1,494, and in Largo . That's a 63% increase over the past five years. A suspect died after shooting at Corporal Matthew Aitken and Sergeant Jake Viano's on March 12, 2023. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. "If Viano hadnt run with him, he wouldnt be here today.". This includes video of deputies and first responders giving CPR and live-saving aid to Aitken at the scene. Stanley was taken into custody at Clearwater Mall Wednesday night. The incident happened on June 30 in Safety Harbor when Robert Hubbard pulled out what was thought to be a gun on deputies while getting out of his car investigators later learned it was a BB gun. 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. If you want a pest-free patio this spring, the most important thing you can do is take away those elements that bugs find desirable. Jacob Viano joined Cpl. Download it here. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. 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. In a news release, deputies said the suspect "immediately fired several rounds at Corporal Aitken." Our operating expenses are not huge by any stretch of imagination but funds are necessary for our continued survival. Matthew Aitken and Sgt. 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.. The individual followed the suspect and provided updates to the agency. A chase ensued through Clearwater and into Safety Harbor. Detectives claimed Spanoudis made suicidal statements and then pointed a gun at Officer Jace Morrow. He said he spoke with Sheriff Gualtieri, who reassured him that his recollection of the events were accurate. 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. You can watch the full news conference below. 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 &. Holloway said at this time authorities don't believe the man fired at deputies. Finally, detectives spoke to the car's owner, who lives at a nursing home. At around 10:40 p.m., a Tampa man was traveling westbound on Interstate 4 near Branch Forbes Road with his 14-year-old daughter when their car was fired upon. Zion Bostik was killed after opening fire on Pinellas County deputies an a K-9. 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. SPPD Chief Anthony Holloway said Pinellas County detectives . Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. They made contact with him. When the deputies got there, the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Zion Bostick, had taken off. The shooting occurred in the backyard of a home, located at 4533 20th Avenue North. 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. Published April 23, 2023 1:11PM. 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. Red tide has just about disappeared from the Pinellas beaches, but still remains along the southern Sarasota coast. It was started to ensure investigations into law enforcement use of deadly force are objective. Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a shooting in the 8300 block of Ulmerton Road. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Download our app, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office K9 Corporal Matthew Aitken and K9 Taco. PINELLAS PARK, Fla. - A St. Petersburg man with a long criminal history may be sentenced to life in prison for shooting at two officers, carjacking a man at gunpoint and leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase after a domestic incident Tuesday night, according to Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. Hes got a lot of medical issues. ", READ: Police: Tarpon Springs man arrested for placing camera inside men's restroom at 'We Spy Coffee & More'. ", READ: Pinellas Park police chief to retire after 33 years of service. Body camera shows the moment when Taco alerted Aitken he had gotten a possible lead on Bostick on the other side of a tall fence. According to the sheriff's office, when deputies arrived, they spotted the suspect at Grace Brethren Church. She expressed concern about the well-being of her 63-year-old son, Gus Spanoudis. Cpl. As K-9 Taco attacked Bostick, three more shots can be heard coming from the suspect aimed at Sgt. So I am I'm very grateful and very anxious to go back and start catching more bad guys again. The Pinellas County Use of Deadly Force Investigative Task Force is investigating the shooting. When he walked to the sidewalk, he heard gunshots. He identified the. Holloway said the man made an off-the-cuff comment to his ex-girlfriend that evening. Aitken was shot in the neck, hand and leg and "immediately" went down, the sheriff said. TAMPA, Fla. - The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a shooting that happened on Friday night. PINELLAS PARK, Fla. A Pinellas Park apartment complex was evacuated Wednesday as police investigated a reported shooting. The State Attorney's Office has ruled that a Pinellas County Sheriff's sergeant was justified in shooting and killing a man who fired at him after shooting and wounding another officer on. The suspect's gun, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department. The shooting was reported just after 10 a.m. Wednesday in the area of . 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. "We have run this scenario, and I've taught this scenario with a trainer thousands of times," said Aitken, referring to his experience as a K-9 unit trainer. The incident happened on June 30 in. Hubbard was hit multiple times by the bullets.