Dade City Man Shoots At Deputies Then Turns Gun On Self

DADE CITY, FL — A Dade City man shot and killed himself Monday night after first shooting at Pasco County sheriff's deputies.

According to Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, around 9:50 p.m. deputies went to the man's home near the intersection of State Road 52 and Smith Road to serve him with three arrest warrants. They called for him to come out of the house. About 10 minutes later, he fired about 10 shots at deputies from inside the home.

The man, who has not been named, continued to fire at deputies after they took cover and one of the deputies returned fire.

A negotiator spent about 2 1/2 hours trying to get the man to come out of the house peacefully while the man periodically continued shooting toward deputies.

The shooter indicated that he wanted to hurt himself. He ultimately turned the gun on himself and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nocco said he previously told a family member that he wasn't going to allow himself to be taken by deputies.

No deputies were injured, however, a sheriff's vehicle was damaged by bullets.

Nocco said the man had 20 previous arrests that included fleeing to elude, grand theft auto and driving while his license was suspended.

“I thank God the deputies are safe from this situation and they’ll all be going home,” Nocco said. “It’s sad for his family that he chose to shoot at law enforcement officers and then take his own life.”

Nocco said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will take over the investigation because a deputy fired at the man.

Family members who have a loved one who is threatening to kill himself should seek help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

A video from a deputy's body-worn camera of the shooting follows the news conference with Sheriff Chris Nocco.