A man threatening residents inside a church in Florida was shot and killed by deputies after “less-lethal options were ineffective” and the man “charged at deputies,” according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). The incident occurred around 2:40 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Prayer Center in Plant City. Body camera footage showed the man, who was carrying a railroad spike, refusing to drop the sharp object and lunging at the deputies. Deputies attempted to use a BolaWrap and a Taser to stop him, but were unsuccessful. The deputies fired at the suspect, fearing for their lives, and despite their efforts to save him, the man died. The deputies involved in the shooting are on administrative leave while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates the incident.
Sheriff Chad Chronister commended the deputies for their professionalism and their efforts to exhaust every less-lethal option before resorting to deadly force. He emphasized that the deputies’ actions were a reflection of the extensive training they undergo and the tools they have available to serve and protect the community. The two deputies who fired at the suspect, Deputy Robert Sanchez, a 17-year veteran, and Deputy Jacob St. John, who had served for 10 months, are currently on administrative leave pending the investigation. The use of deadly force was deemed necessary after the suspect continued to advance towards the deputies, despite their attempts to restrain him using non-lethal methods.
The incident resulted in the cancellation of a 7:30 a.m. mass at the worship center, according to reports. The reverends who live at the church told authorities about the need to cancel the service due to the shooting. The community was left in shock by the events that unfolded at the Divine Mercy Prayer Center, and residents expressed concern over the use of deadly force by law enforcement. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s investigation will determine whether the deputies acted within the bounds of the law and department policies when they shot and killed the suspect. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face in responding to volatile situations.
The body camera footage from the incident showed the suspect growling at the responding deputies as he carried a sharp object, later identified as a railroad spike. Despite repeated commands to drop the object, the man refused and proceeded to lunge at the deputies, prompting them to use non-lethal options such as a BolaWrap and a Taser. These attempts were unsuccessful in stopping the suspect, who continued to advance towards the deputies. The use of deadly force was considered necessary in the situation, as the deputies feared for their lives and the safety of others present at the church.
The deputies involved in the shooting showed professionalism and adherence to their training in attempting to de-escalate the situation. The decision to use deadly force as a last resort reflects the difficult choices law enforcement officers often face when dealing with individuals who pose a threat to public safety. The community reaction to the incident underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement actions. As the investigation unfolds, more details about the circumstances leading to the shooting will be revealed, shedding light on the events that transpired at the Divine Mercy Prayer Center in Plant City.
