Deputy shoots suspect accused of battering an elderly victim during altercation in Homosassa; suspect at hospital; deputy on leave
Graphic courtesy of CCSO.
Citrus County Sheriff's Office
Homosassa (Citrus County), Florida - On Thursday, August 8, 2024, Citrus County Sheriff's Office deputies investigated an incident in which a suspect - whose name was not released - committed battery on an elderly victim who sustained serious injuries.
The investigation led deputies to a residence on West Jarovi Court in Homosassa that was occupied by multiple people.
When deputies approached the residence, the suspect fled through the rear of the residence and was pursued on foot by one of the deputies, whose name was also not released.
The foot pursuit continued through various yards, ending in a heavily wooded area off West Linden Drive, where the suspect began fighting with the deputy and attempted to remove the deputy's agency-issued service weapon from his holster. The suspect armed themself with a knife and threatened the deputy with deadly force.
"Due to the suspect's actions, the deputy used deadly force to stop the threat," according to a media release by the agency.
As per the agency's policy, officer-involved shootings are investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) which was on scene Thursday afternoon conducting their investigation and collecting evidence.
The suspect received medical aid on the scene of the altercation and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The deputy will be placed on administrative leave, which is a standard procedure in a shooting committed by a law enforcement officer while on duty.
"I am thankful that our deputy was uninjured and that no one else in the community was harmed," said Citrus County Sheriff Michael Prendergast. "We appreciate the community's support as the investigation continues."