Deputies Fatally Shoot Ruskin Man Brandishing Knife

RUSKIN, FL — A man is dead after being shot by Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies after he approached them brandishing a knife.

Around 1:30 a.m. Friday, deputies were called to the 300 block of Shell Manor Road in Ruskin for a domestic violence dispute.

They found a 37-year-old man waving a large knife in the front yard of the home. A woman and several children were inside the home. The man refused to put the knife down and approached deputies in a threatening manner.

Master Deputy Jessica Ennis, 37, and Deputy Daniel DeLima, 25, in fear for their lives, fired multiple shots at the man. He was medevaced from the scene to a local hospital where he died of his injuries at around 5 a.m.

"They, unfortunately, had to use deadly force to save their lives," said Chief Deputy Donna Lusczynski.

The shooting victim, who has not been named, has 30 prior felony charges including felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed firearm, aggravated assault, domestic battery, aggravated child abuse and carjacking.

Both deputies involved in the shooting are being placed on administrative leave during the investigation.

Ennis has been with the sheriff's office for 12 years. DeLima has worked for the Hillsborough sheriff for three years.