Aitken said he has not watched the body camera video of himself being shot by the suspect. The suspect was killed by another deputy who returned fire, the authorities said. Chief Holloway said Bostick fired three shots at Cpl. The sheriff added the agency would not release the raw video due to the graphic nature of some parts. According to Holloway, a man went to the home of his ex-girlfriend where he battered her and her son. While the images are blurred, please use caution. 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. 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. Chief Holloway said it's always a scary time when law enforcement learns one of their own was injured. This includes video of deputies and first responders giving CPR and live-saving aid to Aitken at the scene. Aitken said he and Sgt. Zion Bostik was killed after opening fire on Pinellas County deputies an a K-9. Learn More. 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. "He told deputies that he had to shoot to defend himself. According to Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Bostik waited for the deputies to get closer before he began shooting. Viano, who jumped to the ground to dodge the gunfire. 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. A man got out of the car and pointed a handgun at police. According to the sheriff's office, when deputies arrived, they spotted the suspect at Grace Brethren Church. 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. Aitken and video from his body camera shows the events play out. SPPD Chief Anthony Holloway said Pinellas County detectives were called to a home on 42nd Avenue North just after 9 p.m. for a domestic battery call. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Law enforcement officials said the now deceased suspect tried to kill two Pinellas County deputies. "People need to see what bad guys like this do to good cops.". Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. I think he is going to pull through. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Police say the man was waiting for them and fired several shots, hitting Aitken. [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. Hillsborough nixes gopher tortoise safeguards. Because of his experience and grit, Matt survived this," the sheriff explained during Monday's press conference. Stanley was taken into custody at Clearwater Mall Wednesday night. The K9 deputy,Corporal Matthew Aitken, 40, iscurrently in stable condition. The shooting occurred in the backyard of a home, located at 4533 20th Avenue North. St. Petersburg Police claim Officer Morrow told Spanoudis to drop the gun multiple times before firing at him. "He did a stellar job being able to assess that threat. The Clearwater Police Department says Robert. 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. Holloway said the man made an off-the-cuff comment to his ex-girlfriend that evening. Aitken was taken to Bayfront Health where he continues to recover. It's located at 6300 62nd Avenue North. Please note the sheriff's office video shows the moment Bostick fell to the ground after being fatally shot. Those charges, Gualtieri said, include grand theft, drug crimes and crimes with guns, and Bostick has gone to state prison twice. Gualtieri added Aitken had not and didn't want to see the video footage of the shooting. 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. They identified those officers as Robert Smith, Daniel Abbott, Anthony Hellstern and Demarcus Flournoy. "I remember seeing the back of the houses and when I was on the ground, I actually thought I got shot in the head, and then I passed out.". It was started to ensure investigations into law enforcement use of deadly force are objective. ", Cpl. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. "If Viano hadnt run with him, he wouldnt be here today," Sheriff Gualtieri said. Updated April 24, 2023 8:53AM. In about 40 seconds, I could smell the cordite, and in that time, there was I dont know how many 20, 30 police vehicles.. Get notified on your phone in the morning with the latest forecast and news to start your day. Its hard on everybody in the law enforcement community.". "Right now, it appears he'll be OK. The incident was a hostage situation involving three people, with a woman being released at about 3 p.m. Holloway said two of the four deputies fired their weapons. 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. In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, a spokesman for Clearwater police said the incident stemmed from an armed carjacking in Hillsborough County. "Had that firearm been real and this person wanted to shoot these deputies, they were at a significant disadvantage," Slaughter said. PLANT CITY, Fla. - The family of Elizabeth . The incident happened on June 30 in. 26, 2023. . ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. St. Pete Police are leading the investigation into a deadly deputy-involved shooting that happened on Monday night. Officials said the suspect was "waiting" for deputies before firing at them. Ordered him to come out of the car. St. Petersburg Police Department officials identified the suspect on Monday as 23-year-old Zion Bostick. 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.". Holloway says because this incident involves a sheriffs deputy, the St. Pete Police Department is handling the investigation. Four deputies shot at Hubbard, killing him. Example video title will go here for this video. "It looks like he was just coming out. 1 dead, 1 injured in Pinellas Park shooting Emily McCain 5:43 AM, Apr 18, 2023 Pinellas County Lawsuit claims Clearwater foster family abused children for nearly 30 years Vanessa Araiza 9:43. PUBLISHED 9:40 PM ET Apr. They followed him to the backyard of a home on 60th Avenue North. It all happened in front of hundreds of students in a crowded lunchroom. A suspect died after shooting at Corporal Matthew Aitken and Sergeant Jake Viano's on March 12, 2023. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Troopers asked anyone with information about the shooting to call *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS (**8477). (Courtesy of Pinellas County Sheriff's Office), Spectrum News Staff The Pinellas County Use of Deadly Force Investigative Task Force is investigating the shooting. Cpl. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Officers tried to stop the car using stop sticks, but the suspect continued driving on deflated tires. His last known address was in Tampa. PETERSBURG, Fla. St. Pete Police are leading the investigation into a deadly deputy-involved shooting that happened on Monday night. During a press conference April 6, Aitken also credited Taco's training to his survival. Officials said he is expected to be OK. His dog was not injured. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. Citizens Insurance customer left confused, frustrated after new flood insurance policy, FHP: 1 dead, 2 in the hospital after crash in Manatee County, 10 Weather: Sunny skies and nice temperatures this week, Tornado watch over for parts of Tampa Bay area, Chilling moments captured on body camera video, which the state attorney's office later ruled justified, Pinellas County deputy discharged from hospital after being shot 3 times, Shooting death of man in Pinellas County chase-turned-shootout justified by State Attorney's Office, Police identify 23-year-old killed after Pinellas County chase-turned-shootout. The deputy then came up to the car. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Deputies continue to investigate, and no suspect is in custody at this time. Download it here. Pinellas County Sheriff's Office via AP When the deputies got there, the suspect . PREVIOUS: Tampa unveils 100 tiny homes to help homeless with transitional housing. Sergeant Jacob Viano, 49, who was backing up the deputy, fired back, killing Bostick. Officials said the suspect was "waiting" for deputies before firing at them. St. Petersburg Police said, per department policy, Officer Morrow will be placed on no-duty status. The state attorney's office will also be involved in the investigation. Jacob Viano were sent to check out a report of someone breaking into cars near 6385 60th Ave. North in St. Petersburg. He fell down. Whether its a short vacation or theyre jetting off to begin their career, show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift. You can watch the full news conference below. Bollenbacher, like many of his neighbors, is feeling a bit uneasy after the shooting Thursday. PINELLAS PARK, Fla. A Pinellas Park apartment complex was evacuated Wednesday as police investigated a reported shooting. When I rounded the corner, [the suspect] already had the gun pointed on me. Dashcam and bodycam video of the incident was released back on July 6. 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. 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. He will be placed on administrative leave during the investigation, which is normal protocol. Kurt Bollenbacher was working in his driveway Thursday when he heard a helicopter above his home. UPDATED 5:06 PM ET Apr. Sergeant Jacob Viano, 49, who was backing up the deputy fired back, killing Bostick. That victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. 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. Dade City. SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. (WFLA) A man who was shot during an encounter with Pinellas County deputies on Thursday afternoon has died, police say. Citizens Insurance customer left confused, frustrated after new flood insurance policy, FHP: 1 dead, 2 in the hospital after crash in Manatee County, 10 Weather: Sunny skies and nice temperatures this week, Tornado watch over for parts of Tampa Bay area, June 30 in Safety Harbor when Robert Hubbard, Dashcam and bodycam video of the incident, Sheriff's office: Man pulled gun out on Polk County detectives in shooting, Pinellas deputies shoot man who pulled gun on them in Safety Harbor, investigators say. 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.". . In regard to the witness who confronted Bostick, the police chief said it is not a move he would recommend. "He told his mom he would not go back to prison," Chief Holloway said. Updates as released by the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office. The Clearwater Police Department says Robert Hubbard, 43, died after the shooting. In Clearwater, it's $1,494, and in Largo . "This is where things lined up for the good guys, in some good and unexplainable way," Sheriff Gualtieri said during the news conference, crediting the K-9. The individual followed the suspect and provided updates to the agency. Aitken spent some time in the hospital, but has since been released. The Pinellas County Use of Deadly Force Investigative Taskforce is comprised of officials from four local law enforcement agencies: Clearwater Police Department, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Pinellas Park Police Department. 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. "Viano was able to kill this guy before he fired additional rounds into [Cpl. Risk protection orders take away a person's right to own firearms. "I think the only reason why that suspect missed me was because of the dog engaging him when he did.". When he walked to the sidewalk, he heard gunshots. After several shots were fired by Bostick, Viano was able to return fire, ultimately shooting the fatal shot that killed Bostick. - A Pinellas County deputy - who the sheriff described as an experienced law enforcement officer with grit - had surgery Monday morning after he was shot in the neck, hand, and leg while responding to a vehicle burglary report. Aitken was hit three times in his neck, wrist and leg. Aitken and K9 Taco (Pinellas County Sheriff's Office). PINELLAS PARK, Fla. A Pinellas Park apartment complex was evacuated Wednesday as police investigated a reported shooting. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. 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. Michael Drejka is seen in an Aug. 13, 2018 photo provided by the Pinellas County, Fla., Sheriff's Office. Immediately after seeing the weapon, shots fire out from four deputies' guns, totaling up to 59 rounds, the chief said. Before 7 p.m., deputies learned of a vehicle burglary in the 6300 block of 60th Avenue North, an unincorporated area of the county. According to . According to Holloway, deputies were able to view Ring video footage at the victim's home where they heard threats made by the suspect. "I should also say on this call the deceased told his ex-girlfriend that this might be the last night that you see me. "I remember everything up to the point when I saw a Bostik, he peeked out between houses and then went back the other way," Aitken recalled. Investigators said they believe Hubbard carjacked somebody at gunpoint on June 29 a day prior to the shooting in Hillsborough County, in addition to stealing a golf cart, both at gunpoint. Cpl. Holloway said at this time authorities don't believe the man fired at deputies. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Officials said he is expected to be OK. His dog was not injured. "He decided he was going to kill two deputy sheriffs. "Viano was able to kill this guy before he fired additional rounds into Matt while he was laying on the ground. 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. Officers in neighboring Pinellas county were alerted that the car was spotted in the area. "Here, K-9 Taco reacted exactly how he was trained and upon Corporal Aitken being shot, K-9 Taco immediately engaged Bostick.". On Tuesday, the school board . Police say two bullets hit the car, and one hit the teenager's leg. Viano have known each other for 15 years, apprehending hundreds of suspects together. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. LARGO, Fla. - 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. Deputies are still on the hunt. The video, which was blurred and edited by the agency, provides added context to the timeline of the shooting the sheriff's office previously released. 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. Cpl. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. They made contact with him. 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. "He simply didnt want to go back to prison," Sheriff Gualtieri said. In Sarasota County, low levels were found along Lido Beach, Siesta Beach and Nokomis Beach. Thirty-two years ago today, three faculty members at Pinellas Park High School were shot. Detectives believe Sage Gayle Curry, of Largo,. On Saturday night, the Dade City Police Department and the Pasco Sheriff's Office responded to a call at Watson Park. Family, police ask public's help in solving fatal I-4 road rage shooting. 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. 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. We want you to call us and if you can keep an eye on the person, please do that. 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. One of the bullets went into the car and hit the 14-year-old girl in the leg. The newly released body camera video shows the deputies scaling the yard's fence, helping Taco over, as well. Aitken and his K-9 Taco tracked the suspect to a nearby backyard. Sgt. "You dont want that phone call," he offered. The suspect's gun, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department. PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) Some Pinellas County students will have to report to class over two hours earlier next year. Gay's family says that the complex, Silver . It showed Hubbard getting out of his car with a gun pointed toward law enforcement. Clearwater Police Chief Daniel Slaughter explained during a news conference it was only until after the shooting it was revealed to be a BB gun with no pellets inside. 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. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Hes got a lot of medical issues. Cpl. The RENPHO Foot Massager Machine may be just the gift to make Mothers Day extra special for your mom this year. Residents in the Greenbriar neighborhood woke up before 4 a.m. to police activity outside their front doors. Detectives claimed Spanoudis made suicidal statements and then pointed a gun at Officer Jace Morrow. "Luckily Taco's training, he did exactly what he was trained to do.". FOX 13 News. He says a few seconds later, several law enforcement sped past his house. Aitken is 40 years old and has a wife and young daughter, the sheriff said. The stolen car was then linked to an attempted robbery outside of an Outback in Trinity in Pasco County. Detectives at the scene found the bumper of the suspect's car, which had the license tag still attached. The deputies involved are being interviewed. According to the sheriff's office, Bostick "had an extensive criminal history" that dates back to when he was 17 years old. Hubbard was hit multiple times by the bullets. ", READ: Police: Tarpon Springs man arrested for placing camera inside men's restroom at 'We Spy Coffee & More'. The child was trying to help mom because he saw that she was being attacked by this guy," Holloway said. SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. (WFLA) A man who was shot during an encounter with Pinellas County deputies on Thursday afternoon has died, police say. Jacob Viano were sent to check out a report of someone breaking into cars near 6385 60th Ave. North in St. Petersburg. 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. Officers then tried to make contact with the residence several times, to no avail. Aitken spotted Bostick trying to hide around the corner of the house, officials said, and "verbally challenged him. As of Thursday afternoon, multiple law enforcement agencies are present in the area of Enterprise Rd E. & Philippe Pkwy. Learn More. Aitken and three shots at Sgt. TAMPA, Fla. - The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a shooting that happened on Friday night. He got into his car. "We understand, as the handler, that you're probably not going to make it through the ambush situation. Chief Anthony Holloway of the St. Petersburg Police Department said they received one report from a witness, who confronted the suspect and began capturing video of him. 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. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. That moment of hesitation, Gualtieri said, may have been exactly what kept both officers alive. Cpl. That's when Cpl. It all started at 3:48 a.m. Sunday, when. "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. Jacob Viano joined Cpl. 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. SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. Editor's note: The video above is from a July 6, 2022 report. Published Oct. 14, 2021 | Updated Oct. 15, 2021 A man who shot two random people over the past week has been arrested, according to Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. Deputies said Bostick had a second handgun in his right pocket that was reported stolen out of Manatee County. 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. Think of it as just giving up just a couple of your favorite coffee drinks each month. One died. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "He went and confronted the guy. It is concerning, but heres the thing, its everywhere these days, Bollenbacher said. Bostick then ducked back behind the home, leading Aitken and Taco to assume a pursuit. 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. Holloway said the suspect was under a risk protection order which was issued in December 2018 and expired in July 2020. Aitken is still on leave, recovering from his injuries. Officials said Bostick didn't appear for a court hearing on March 7 for attempted burglary and driving with a suspended license charges. Viano was trailing behind Cpl. When deputies arrived, they tried to confront Bostick, leading to a chase. According to St. Petersburg Police, officers forced open the door of the home and found Gus Spanoudis in a back bedroom. "If Viano hadnt run with him, he wouldnt be here today.". According . A chase ensued through Clearwater and into Safety Harbor. Chief Holloway's agency is investigating the deputy-involved shooting as part of the Pinellas County Use of Deadly Force Investigative Taskforce, which was created in 2020. Officials said it happened in the Pinellas Park area in the 6300 block of 60th Avenue just before 7 p.m. Sunday. Matthew Aitken and Sgt. UPDATED 12:15 PM ET Oct. 04, 2021. Police said the shooting happened at the. Sheriff Gualtieri said the body camera footage will be released to the public after the investigation is complete. 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