The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deadly shooting involving a North Port police officer Saturday night.
http://blogaudio.virtualnewscenter.com/WENG-060815-Jennings-North Port Shooting VO.mp3
The shooting was on a domestic disturbance call in the 3300 block of Mola Street. The Herald Tribune reports two people left the house, and North Port Police Sgt. Mike Laden got on the phone with 53-year old James Smillie. Investigators say Smillie left the house and started walking through surrounding yards coming face to face with Laden on Alam Avenue. Laden says Smillie had a rifle pointed at him, and demanded he drop his backpack and flashlight. The two continued to talk, and Smillie dropped his rifle. That’s when Smillie reached into his shorts for a handgun that was clearly visible, and Sgt. Laden shot him.