20, 2023. Learn More. Argument-turned-shootout leaves 1 dead at Pinellas Park apartment Aitken] while he was laying on the ground," Gualtieri explained during a press conference in March. Sgt. "The child came to his mom's rescue, but he also hit the child. "He told his mom he would not go back to prison," Chief Holloway said. 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. He not only saved his own life, but he saved Matts life.". Hillsborough nixes gopher tortoise safeguards. Download it here. 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. CLEARWATER, Fla The Pasco-Pinellas State Attorney's Office in a news release Friday, Sept. 24, announced investigators have concluded the shooting was a justifiable homicide. "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. During a press conference April 6, Aitken also credited Taco's training to his survival. PINELLAS PARK, Fla. Two people were killed and a third was injured early Monday morning in a shooting, Pinellas Park Police said. According to Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Bostik waited for the deputies to get closer before he began shooting. Hes got a lot of medical issues. "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. Aitken was shot in the neck, hand and leg and "immediately" went down, the sheriff said. The Pinellas County Use of Deadly Force Investigative Task Force is investigating the shooting. A suspect died after shooting at Corporal Matthew Aitken and Sergeant Jake Viano's on March 12, 2023. The Florida Highway Patrol said it hadnt identified a reason for the Friday night shooting. Viano have known each other for 15 years, apprehending hundreds of suspects together. On Tuesday, the school board . Download our app, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office K9 Corporal Matthew Aitken and K9 Taco. The shooting was reported just after 10 a.m. Wednesday in the area of 45th Street and 76th Avenue. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. When I rounded the corner, [the suspect] already had the gun pointed on me. We'll update this story as more information becomes available. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. While the images are blurred, please use caution. Holloway says because this incident involves a sheriffs deputy, the St. Pete Police Department is handling the investigation. On Saturday night, the Dade City Police Department and the Pasco Sheriff's Office responded to a call at Watson Park. Will DeSantis have to resign to run for president? They quickly lay eyes on Bostik and run toward him. Officers closed off Philippe Pkwy north of Enterprise Rd near Philippe Park for several hours. SPPD is leading the investigation into the shooting as part of the Pinellas County Deadly Force Task Force. The state attorney's office will also be involved in the investigation. The wounded deputy was hired by the sheriff's office in March 2006. As K-9 Taco attacked Bostick, three more shots can be heard coming from the suspect aimed at Sgt. Viano was hired in November 2000 and is 49 years old. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Sergeant Jacob Viano, 49, who was backing up the deputy, fired back, killing Bostick. Ordered him to come out of the car. 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. Troopers asked anyone with information about the shooting to call *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS (**8477). Area residents reported hearing police vehicles speeding past their homes. Bodycam video released: Suspect 'ambushed' Pinellas County deputies Aitken and his K9 Taco as they tried to track down Bostick, officials said. About one and a half seconds worth of duration of gunfire, but multiple, multiple shots, Bollenbacher said. Think of it as just giving up just a couple of your favorite coffee drinks each month. "If Viano hadnt run with him, he wouldnt be here today.". PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) Some Pinellas County students will have to report to class over two hours earlier next year. Cpl. SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. Editor's note: The video above is from a July 6, 2022 report. "He decided he was going to kill two deputy sheriffs. They identified those officers as Robert Smith, Daniel Abbott, Anthony Hellstern and Demarcus Flournoy. 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. Bostick then ducked back behind the home, leading Aitken and Taco to assume a pursuit. After several shots were fired by Bostick, Viano was able to return fire, ultimately shooting the fatal shot that killed Bostick. 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. Residents in the Greenbriar neighborhood woke up before 4 a.m. to police activity outside their front doors. Download our app, California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, California Consumer Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. 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. A chase ensued through Clearwater and into Safety Harbor. "If you could tell the difference [between a BB gun and pistol] at the speed of which this thing unfolded and the distance to which these officers are, then you are going to have the eyesight of an eagle because that is next to impossible," Slaughter said. The actions of the four deputies were considered a justifiable homicide under Florida law, officials said. I don't know if he was planning on going somewhere. Aitken is still on leave, recovering from his injuries. Officials said the suspect was "waiting" for deputies before firing at them. 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. Board didnt say why. The shooting, which the state attorney's office later ruled justified, happened on March 12. SPPD Chief Anthony Holloway said Pinellas County detectives . Police say the man was waiting for them and fired several shots, hitting Aitken. 4:55 p.m. update: The suspect in the case has died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to investigators. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Then, they heard gunfire. Aitken was taken to Bayfront Health where he continues to recover. Paramedics treated one victim, an adult male, with life-threatening injuries, at the scene. The incident happened on June 30 in. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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.. Aitken and three shots at Sgt. Florida 'stand your ground' shooter Michael Drejka charged - ABC News St. Pete PD: Deputy shot and hurt, suspect killed "Had that firearm been real and this person wanted to shoot these deputies, they were at a significant disadvantage," Slaughter said. 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. The Clearwater Police Department says Robert Hubbard, 43, died after the shooting. 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. Holloway said the suspect was under a risk protection order which was issued in December 2018 and expired in July 2020. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. "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.". 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. Woman killed, man injured after I-4 road rage shooting 6 gal. Matthew Aitken and Sgt. Holloway said two of the four deputies fired their weapons. Aitken and K9 Taco (Pinellas County Sheriff's Office). 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. Holloway said deputies used that video to create their plan to make contact with the suspect. Pinellas County Sheriff's Office via AP ", READ: Police: Tarpon Springs man arrested for placing camera inside men's restroom at 'We Spy Coffee & More'. In a news release, deputies said the suspect "immediately fired several rounds at Corporal Aitken." Aitken and his K-9 Taco tracked the suspect to a nearby backyard. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. That victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. The sheriff added the agency would not release the raw video due to the graphic nature of some parts. 26, 2023. Hubbard was hit multiple times by the bullets. Police say two bullets hit the car, and one hit the teenager's leg. Kurt Bollenbacher was working in his driveway Thursday when he heard a helicopter above his home. A man got out of the car and pointed a handgun at police. "We understand, as the handler, that you're probably not going to make it through the ambush situation. The suspect's gun, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department. "If Viano hadnt run with him, he wouldnt be here today," Sheriff Gualtieri said. He fell to the ground unconscious and not breathing, and K-9 Taco can be seen on the body camera footage attacking Bostick. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. "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. Sheriff Gualtieri said the body camera footage will be released to the public after the investigation is complete. But dont try to confront the person. Police traced the car to a home on the 1200 block of 58th Street North. Pinellas County - WFTS St. Petersburg Police Department officials identified the suspect on Monday as 23-year-old Zion Bostick. Class begins 2 hours earlier at these Pinellas County schools next year 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.". Investigators said Bostickfled behind the church, through a wooded area, and into a neighborhood. St. Pete man dead after deputy-involved shooting; SPPD investigating. The sheriff said an arrangement was made for him to plead guilty. 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. Updated: Apr 26, 2023 / 08:40 AM EDT. Crime, Crashes and Fires | tbnweekly.com The Clearwater Police Department says Robert. Because of his experience and grit, Matt survived this," the sheriff explained during Monday's press conference. Cpl. Authorities said the incident was domestic. 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. 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 &. PREVIOUS: Tampa unveils 100 tiny homes to help homeless with transitional housing. Shooting death of man in Pinellas County chase-turned-shootout Victim's girlfriend says Florida gunman provoked fatal - ABC News The suspect was killed by another deputy who returned fire, the authorities said. Sgt. 2 killed, 1 injured in Pinellas Park parking lot shooting - WFTS - Advertisement - Michael Drejka is seen in an Aug. 13, 2018 photo provided by the Pinellas County, Fla., Sheriff's Office. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Wed just rather for you to call us and if you can keep an eye on the person. You can watch the full news conference below. Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a shooting in the 8300 block of Ulmerton Road. "Once the gun pointed at me, I knew that I was behind the eight ball at that point," said Sgt. 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. 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.". 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. . 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. A K9 handler,Corporal Matthew Aitken, 40, eventually spottedBostick near a church and tracked him into a backyard. 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. 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. They made contact with him. St. Pete man dead after deputy-involved shooting - WFTS Aitken said he and Sgt. FOX 13 News. Whether its a short vacation or theyre jetting off to begin their career, show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift. Thirty-two years ago today, three faculty members at Pinellas Park High School were shot. His last known address was in Tampa. Aitken said he has not watched the body camera video of himself being shot by the suspect. Cpl. 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. One was injured while the other shot and killed the suspect. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. According to a news release, officers heard shots being fired and "loud screaming.". 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 simply didnt want to go back to prison," Sheriff Gualtieri said. Aitkenis currently in stable condition. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. It was still light outside around 7 p.m. Sunday, March 12 when Pinellas County Sheriff's Office K-9 Cpl. He is expected to be OK, but has several medical issues he now faces. Aitken spent some time in the hospital, but has since been released. Sgt. We want you to call us and if you can keep an eye on the person, please do that. Two were injured. He will be placed on administrative leave during the investigation, which is normal protocol. The child was trying to help mom because he saw that she was being attacked by this guy," 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. Remembering the Pinellas Park High shooting, a 'precursor' to gun 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. Updates as released by the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office. One of the bullets went into the car and hit the 14-year-old girl in the leg. Gay's family says that the complex, Silver . Aitken said he is recovering and hopes to be back on the job in about six months. Aitken spotted Bostick trying to hide around the corner of the house, officials said, and "verbally challenged him. "People need to see what bad guys like this do to good cops.". Risk protection orders take away a person's right to own firearms. 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. SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. (WFLA) A man who was shot during an encounter with Pinellas County deputies on Thursday afternoon has died, police say. State attorney deems deputy-involved shooting justified - WTSP Cpl. Get notified on your phone in the morning with the latest forecast and news to start your day. In about 40 seconds, I could smell the cordite, and in that time, there was I dont know how many 20, 30 police vehicles.. He fell down. Published April 23, 2023 1:11PM. Officers then tried to make contact with the residence several times, to no avail. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. He said he spoke with Sheriff Gualtieri, who reassured him that his recollection of the events were accurate. LARGO A 19-year-old man faces two counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of two women, whom police say he followed home and attacked. "I think the only reason why that suspect missed me was because of the dog engaging him when he did.". Officers in neighboring Pinellas county were alerted that the car was spotted in the area. According to Holloway, deputies were able to view Ring video footage at the victim's home where they heard threats made by the suspect. Pinellas deputy shot in Pinellas Park expected to survive, taskforce says "Getting here is the longest drive of your life. UPDATED 12:15 PM ET Oct. 04, 2021. The RENPHO Foot Massager Machine may be just the gift to make Mothers Day extra special for your mom this year. Holloway advised residents to never approach a suspect and to wait for authorities. According to the sheriff's office, when deputies arrived, they spotted the suspect at Grace Brethren Church. The witness called 911 and explained the suspect was wearing gloves and attempted to break into cars. LEALMAN, Fla. (WFLA) The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting in Lealman, where two people suffered non-life threatening injuries. Spanoudis was taken to a local hospital by first responders at the scene, but was pronounced dead at the hospital. It was started to ensure investigations into law enforcement use of deadly force are objective. That victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Those charges, Gualtieri said, include grand theft, drug crimes and crimes with guns, and Bostick has gone to state prison twice. 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. Gualtieri explains Taco had spotted Bostick hiding behind the corner of a home. 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. That's a 63% increase over the past five years. She expressed concern about the well-being of her 63-year-old son, Gus Spanoudis. Officials said it happened in the Pinellas Park area in the 6300 block of 60th Avenue just before 7 p.m. Sunday. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. "Viano was able to kill this guy before he fired additional rounds into [Cpl. 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. (Courtesy of Pinellas County Sheriff's Office), Spectrum News Staff 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. 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. How will we know if the US economy is in a recession? Tampa teenager randomly shot in car on I-4 - fox13news.com Red tide has just about disappeared from the Pinellas beaches, but still remains along the southern Sarasota coast. The body cam footage will be released, and Corporal Aitken and Sergeant Viano were present to answer questions. Bollenbacher, like many of his neighbors, is feeling a bit uneasy after the shooting Thursday. Sgt. Aitken is 40 years old and has a wife and young daughter, the sheriff said. St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway held a press conference about the incident, saying a resident called 911 to report that someone was breaking into vehicles. 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. According to data from Pinellas County, the average single-family home in Pinellas is $400,000. Deputies are still on the hunt. 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. Clearwater police say four deputies shot at him. Pinellas County deputies involved in June shooting deemed - WTSP