Identity of man shot by police released

Image 1 of 5

Police officials have identified Nicholas Provenza, 25, as the person who was shot by an off-duty officer at a charity car show. The officer says Provenza came at him with a knife. 

The shooting happened near a large intersection in downtown Tarpon Springs, where classic cars and festival-goers lined the streets 

Tarpon Springs police say around 1:30 p.m. the officer working the car show was told to check on a "suspicious" white male riding a bike near Tarpon Ave. and Safford Ave. The officer asked Provenza his name, but it was determined the name given was fake. The man gave another last name over the radio. 

TSPD said the radio went silent for a few moments, and then the officer could be heard on the radio yelling "Shots fired! Shots fired! Shots fired!"

The officer told the dispatcher, "He came at me with a knife."

Provenza was taken to Florida Hospital North Pinellas and was pronounced dead just before 2:30. The officer was not injured.

Several people witnessed what happened. FDLE with the help of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office will be handling the investigation into what happened. 

Anyone who saw what happened or has information about the man shot by the officer is asked to call FDLE Tampa Field Office 813-878-7300.