Deputy Fought For His Life Before Shooting a Known Violent Felon

HUDSON – The Pasco Sheriff's Office provided new details into a deputy-involved shooting that took place on US-19 this evening, leaving one person dead.

During a press conference near the scene of the shooting, a spokesperson said, "None of this had to happen. If the suspect had just done what the deputy had said, none of us would be here talking about this shooting."

According to officials, a male suspect who was possibly wanted on felony strangulation charges was approached by a deputy at the 7-Eleven at US-19 and New York Ave. During the course of the engagement, the suspect violently attacked the deputy and then tried to flee in his vehicle. The deputy gave numerous commands to stop but the suspect drove away with the deputy inside his vehicle.

Officials say after giving numerous commands, the deputy deployed his taser several times with no result. Fearing for his safety the deputy shot the suspect and the vehicle came to a stop on the side of the road.

Deputies immediately rendered aid and called Fire Rescue to respond but the suspect died at the scene.

Officials say the suspect has a long history of violence toward law enforcement.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting and the deputy will be placed on administrative leave.

Officials have not released the identity of the suspect at this time.