The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred following a vehicle pursuit earlier today, October 10 th.
Patrol deputies attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of Phillippi Street and South Tamiami Trail at approximately 12:31 a.m., Tuesday morning. The driver failed to stop, which resulted in a vehicle pursuit that led deputies to the 2300 block of Webber Street (at the intersection of Lime Avenue). The driver attempted to ram a deputy with his vehicle, causing the deputy to discharge his firearm striking the driver. The vehicle subsequently crashed in the rear of a residence on Webber Street.
Deputies quickly pulled the suspect from the vehicle and attempted life-saving measures at the scene along with the Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD); however, the driver was pronounced deceased. One deputy sustained a leg injury during the incident and was transported to the hospital for further evaluation.
Webber Street, between South Tamiami Trail and South Shade Avenue, will be closed for several hours Tuesday morning as the sheriff’s office continues its investigation.