Active Shooter Injures Two, Sets Fire to Barn, Before Being Shot by Deputies

BROOKSVILLE – Hernando County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 9139 Erma Road around 5:00 p.m. Friday, after reports of a structure fire, following by reports of shots fired.

Prior to arrival, deputies confirmed that a subject was actively shooting and that there were multiple victims. When deputies arrived on scene, they observed two victims lying on the ground.

R News arrived on scene at the same time as Law Enforcement and Fire Rescue and immediately began broadcasting live on the Adventure Coast Journal Facebook page.

Firefighters were unable to attack the blaze and paramedics could not access the victims, due to the suspect still being in the area and heavily armed. Eventually, deputies made the decision to extract the female victim, who was seen being transported by golf cart to an awaiting ambulance. Officials say her injuries are not life threatening.

Once deputies had fully secured the scene, paramedics were brought to the male victim, where they evacuated him from the area. Officials say he is in critical but stable condition at this time.

An extensive search was conducted around the property, which is surrounded by open fields and patches of woods, but they were unable to locate the suspect. They later learned that he was still barricaded inside the home and armed with numerous firearms.

Negotiators tried to establish a dialogue with the suspect, but all attempts failed. Sheriff Al Nienhuis says a SWAT team breached the residence and deployed teargas. That’s when the suspect exited the front door, still holding a firearm. Officials say, members of the SWAT Team, fearing for their own safety, as well as the safety of others, fired at the suspect. The suspect died at the scene. There were no injuries to deputies, say officials.

The suspect is identified as 64-year-old Steve Roosa. The victim’s identities will not be released due to Marsy’s Law, according to officials.

Click here to watch video from the incident.