In Clearwater, it's $1,494, and in Largo . 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. 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. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Updated: Apr 26, 2023 / 08:40 AM EDT. "It looks like he was just coming out. PETERSBURG, Fla. St. Pete Police are leading the investigation into a deadly deputy-involved shooting that happened on Monday night. "Luckily Taco's training, he did exactly what he was trained to do.". Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Investigators said Bostickfled behind the church, through a wooded area, and into a neighborhood. 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. 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. Download our app, California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, California Consumer Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. I don't know if he was planning on going somewhere. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. St. Pete Police are leading the investigation into a deadly deputy-involved shooting that happened on Monday night. - Advertisement - Chief Holloway said it's always a scary time when law enforcement learns one of their own was injured. A K9 handler,Corporal Matthew Aitken, 40, eventually spottedBostick near a church and tracked him into a backyard. LEALMAN, Fla. (WFLA) The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting in Lealman, where two people suffered non-life threatening injuries. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Officers tried to stop the car using stop sticks, but the suspect continued driving on deflated tires. Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office responded to reports of a shooting at 8300 Ulmerton Road, which is on the corner of Ulmerton Road and Wild Acres Road. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. "Once the gun pointed at me, I knew that I was behind the eight ball at that point," said Sgt. 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. FOX 13 News. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. They followed him to the backyard of a home on 60th Avenue North. "I think the only reason why that suspect missed me was because of the dog engaging him when he did.". [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. Viano. Dade City. "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. Records show he was being held Thursday in the Pinellas County Jail, with bond set at $750,000. Police say the man was waiting for them and fired several shots, hitting Aitken. Thats the type of people out there that we deal with.". Viano was hired in November 2000 and is 49 years old. Law enforcement officials said the now deceased suspect tried to kill two Pinellas County deputies. Board didnt say why. We want you to call us and if you can keep an eye on the person, please do that. Deputies continue to investigate, and no suspect is in custody at this time. On Tuesday, the school board . By Sarah Blazonis Hillsborough County. TAMPA, Fla. - The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a shooting that happened on Friday night. "I wouldnt take it to the next level," Chief Holloway said. Example video title will go here for this video. Cpl. "Getting here is the longest drive of your life. Body camera shows the moment when Taco alerted Aitken he had gotten a possible lead on Bostick on the other side of a tall fence. Cpl. Officials said the suspect was "waiting" for deputies before firing at them. 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. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 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. The deputy then came up to the car. She expressed concern about the well-being of her 63-year-old son, Gus Spanoudis. 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. That's when Aitken and Taco, assisted by Viano, began to track him. It was still light outside around 7 p.m. Sunday, March 12 when Pinellas County Sheriff's Office K-9 Cpl. How will we know if the US economy is in a recession? Paramedics treated one victim, an adult male, with life-threatening injuries, at the scene. PINELLAS PARK, Fla. A Pinellas Park apartment complex was evacuated Wednesday as police investigated a reported shooting. Officials said Bostick didn't appear for a court hearing on March 7 for attempted burglary and driving with a suspended license charges. PINELLAS PARK, Fla. 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. A suspect died after shooting at Corporal Matthew Aitken and Sergeant Jake Viano's on March 12, 2023. Aitken and video from his body camera shows the events play out. 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. Zion Bostik was killed after opening fire on Pinellas County deputies an a K-9. 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. The body cam footage will be released, and Corporal Aitken and Sergeant Viano were present to answer questions. PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) Some Pinellas County students will have to report to class over two hours earlier next year. The wounded deputy was hired by the sheriff's office in March 2006. Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a shooting in the 8300 block of Ulmerton Road. Detectives at the scene found the bumper of the suspect's car, which had the license tag still attached. The video . 6 gal. Paramedics treated one victim, an adult male, with life-threatening injuries, at the scene. 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. Residents in the Greenbriar neighborhood woke up before 4 a.m. to police activity outside their front doors. "Here, K-9 Taco reacted exactly how he was trained and upon Corporal Aitken being shot, K-9 Taco immediately engaged Bostick.". Detectives believe Sage Gayle Curry, of Largo,. Dashcam and bodycam video of the incident was released back on July 6. Jacob Viano were sent to check out a report of someone breaking into cars near 6385 60th Ave. North in St. Petersburg. Viano. "Matt is, thankfully, one of our more experienced deputies. When deputies arrived, they tried to confront Bostick, leading to a chase. The child was trying to help mom because he saw that she was being attacked by this guy," Holloway said. Get notified on your phone in the morning with the latest forecast and news to start your day. Michael Drejka is seen in an Aug. 13, 2018 photo provided by the Pinellas County, Fla., Sheriff's Office. As K-9 Taco attacked Bostick, three more shots can be heard coming from the suspect aimed at Sgt. The actions of the four deputies were considered a justifiable homicide under Florida law, officials said. St. Petersburg Police claim Officer Morrow told Spanoudis to drop the gun multiple times before firing at him. One was injured while the other shot and killed the suspect. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Aitken is still on leave, recovering from his injuries. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Holloway said two of the four deputies fired their weapons. Aitken and his K-9 Taco tracked the suspect to a nearby backyard. According to a news release, officers heard shots being fired and "loud screaming.". How do I keep bugs off my patio this spring? "I should also say on this call the deceased told his ex-girlfriend that this might be the last night that you see me. Deputies said Bostick had a second handgun in his right pocket that was reported stolen out of Manatee County. The sheriff didn't elaborate further. 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. "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. "He told deputies that he had to shoot to defend himself. Download it here. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. 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. 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. Immediately after seeing the weapon, shots fire out from four deputies' guns, totaling up to 59 rounds, the chief said. 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. The sergeant fired back and Bostick died at the scene. Ordered him to come out of the car. PUBLISHED 9:40 PM ET Apr. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Police said the shooting happened at the. The deputies involved are being interviewed. "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 K9 deputy,Corporal Matthew Aitken, 40, iscurrently in stable condition. 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. 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. "The child came to his mom's rescue, but he also hit the child. Updates as released by the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office. Aitken was shot in the neck, hand and leg and "immediately" went down, the sheriff said. "He's very thankful for being able to do what he did," Sheriff Gualtieri said. Aitken spent some time in the hospital, but has since been released. 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. Wed just rather for you to call us and if you can keep an eye on the person. ", READ: Pinellas Park police chief to retire after 33 years of service. "He decided he was going to kill two deputy sheriffs. 2 bodycam views show suspect fire at deputies. Officials said the suspect was "waiting" for deputies before firing at them. Holloway said at this time authorities don't believe the man fired at deputies. Example video title will go here for this video. Holloway said the mother and her son both suffered minor injuries. 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.". That's a 63% increase over the past five years. When the deputies got there, the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Zion Bostick, had taken off. Aitken said he has not watched the body camera video of himself being shot by the suspect. 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. Jacob Viano were sent to check out a report of someone breaking into cars near 6385 60th Ave. North in St. Petersburg. 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.. "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. That victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. PINELLAS PARK, Fla. Two people were killed and a third was injured early Monday morning in a shooting, Pinellas Park Police said. Holloway said the suspect was under a risk protection order which was issued in December 2018 and expired in July 2020. St. Pete man dead after deputy-involved shooting; SPPD investigating. But it was an ambush, the sheriff said. In Sarasota County, low levels were found along Lido Beach, Siesta Beach and Nokomis Beach. Aitken said he is recovering and hopes to be back on the job in about six months. Hubbard was hit multiple times by the bullets. SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. (WFLA) A man who was shot during an encounter with Pinellas County deputies on Thursday afternoon has died, police say. As of Thursday afternoon, multiple law enforcement agencies are present in the area of Enterprise Rd E. & Philippe Pkwy. The shooting was reported just after 10 a.m. Wednesday in the area of . During a press conference April 6, Aitken also credited Taco's training to his survival. The video was released Thursday morning by Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri during a news conference. He and Taco will be reunited Friday, he added. Red tide has just about disappeared from the Pinellas beaches, but still remains along the southern Sarasota coast. Think of it as just giving up just a couple of your favorite coffee drinks each month. Sheriff Gualtieri said the body camera footage will be released to the public after the investigation is complete. Download our app, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office K9 Corporal Matthew Aitken and K9 Taco. PINELLAS PARK, Fla. Two people were killed and another was injured in a Monday morning shooting, according to Pinellas Park police. Viano have known each other for 15 years, apprehending hundreds of suspects together. The incident was a hostage situation involving three people, with a woman being released at about 3 p.m. 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. Aitken is 40 years old and has a wife and young daughter, the sheriff said. The newly released body camera video shows the deputies scaling the yard's fence, helping Taco over, as well. 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. It all started at 3:48 a.m. Sunday, when St. Petersburg Police were called to a reported hit and run in the area of 13th Avenue North and 50th Street North. ", Cpl. Matthew Aitken and Sgt. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - 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. Its hard, its hard on everybody in the law enforcement community, he revealed. PINELLAS PARK, Fla. A Pinellas Park apartment complex was evacuated Wednesday as police investigated a reported shooting. Gualtieri said Bostick was arrested 18 times, including 34 different felonies and 22 different misdemeanor charges. - 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. When the deputies got there, the suspect . 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. He not only saved his own life, but he saved Matts life.". 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. In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, a spokesman for Clearwater police said the incident stemmed from an armed carjacking in Hillsborough County. Aitkenand his K9 Taco began tracking Bostick. Officers closed off Philippe Pkwy north of Enterprise Rd near Philippe Park for several hours. Gualtieri added Aitken had not and didn't want to see the video footage of the shooting. When I rounded the corner, [the suspect] already had the gun pointed on me. Police are asking drivers and residents to avoid the area, although no traffic problems were reported. UPDATED 5:06 PM ET Apr. That victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Cpl. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. 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. The Clearwater Police Department says Robert Hubbard, 43, died after the shooting. 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. UPDATED 12:15 PM ET Oct. 04, 2021. The suspect's gun, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department. SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. Editor's note: The video above is from a July 6, 2022 report. Cpl. Area residents reported hearing police vehicles speeding past their homes. Jacob Viano joined Cpl. and Officials said he is expected to be OK. His dog was not injured. Just by the grace of God, I survived the ambush. Aitken was taken to Bayfront Health where he continues to recover. Police traced the car to a home on the 1200 block of 58th Street North. So I am I'm very grateful and very anxious to go back and start catching more bad guys again. Aitken said he and Sgt. "We understand, as the handler, that you're probably not going to make it through the ambush situation. Deputies are still on the hunt. SPPD Chief Anthony Holloway said Pinellas County detectives . They made contact with him. Hillsborough nixes gopher tortoise safeguards. Because of his experience and grit, Matt survived this," the sheriff explained during Monday's press conference. Please note the sheriff's office video shows the moment Bostick fell to the ground after being fatally shot. Learn More. He is expected to be OK, but has several medical issues he now faces. 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. He says a few seconds later, several law enforcement sped past his house. Ordered him to show them his hands and then you could see the deceased with a gun.". While the images are blurred, please use caution. Aitkenis currently in stable condition. Police say two bullets hit the car, and one hit the teenager's leg. PLANT CITY, Fla. - The family of Elizabeth . The deputy was struck three times. "Had that firearm been real and this person wanted to shoot these deputies, they were at a significant disadvantage," Slaughter said. 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. 4:55 p.m. update: The suspect in the case has died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to investigators. The shooting occurred in the backyard of a home, located at 4533 20th Avenue North. Sgt. "If Viano hadnt run with him, he wouldnt be here today.". Jacob Viano, who is a former K9 handler himself, managed to "duck out of the way," according to the sheriff's office. We'll update this story as more information becomes available. Thirty-two years ago today, three faculty members at Pinellas Park High School were shot. The family of 26-year-old Latoya Gay is suing the Tampa apartment complex where she was killed in a crossfire after a shooting broke out on Jan. 18. Aitken and three shots at Sgt. Risk protection orders take away a person's right to own firearms. The shooting was reported just after 10 a.m. Wednesday in the area of 45th Street and 76th Avenue. He will be placed on administrative leave during the investigation, which is normal protocol. In about 40 seconds, I could smell the cordite, and in that time, there was I dont know how many 20, 30 police vehicles.. Pinellas County Sheriff's Office via AP 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.