Early Tuesday morning, a man threatening residents inside the Divine Mercy Prayer Center in Plant City, Florida, was shot and killed by deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO). The incident occurred at around 2:40 a.m., as reported by the HCSO in a press release.
According to the sheriff's office, the man, who was carrying a railroad spike, refused to comply with commands to drop the sharp object. Body camera footage captured the suspect growling at deputies and then lunging at them after kicking open a metal fence.
Deputies attempted to use less-lethal options, including a BolaWrap and a Taser, to restrain the man, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The deputies, identified as Deputy Robert Sanchez and Deputy Jacob St. John, then resorted to firing at the suspect as he charged towards them, putting their lives at risk.
Sheriff Chad Chronister commended the deputies for their professionalism and exhaustive efforts to preserve life before resorting to lethal force. Despite immediate lifesaving attempts following the shooting, the suspect succumbed to his injuries.
Both Deputy Sanchez, a 17-year veteran, and Deputy St. John, who has served for 10 months, have been placed on administrative leave while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducts an investigation into the incident.
The reverends residing at the worship center had to cancel a scheduled morning mass due to the shooting, highlighting the impact of the tragic event on the local community.
