Pinellas Park man shot and killed after pointing shotgun at police during barricade standoff: PPPD

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PINELLAS PARK, Fla. - A man that reportedly pointed a shotgun at police was shot and killed by two officers Tuesday after a standoff that spanned several hours at a home on Briar Ridge Court, according to the Pinellas Park Police Department.

What we know:

Police say the incident began around 11:30 a.m. when Ryan Lecompt, 39, allegedly confronted a local landscaper who was working in nearby yards. The victim reported that he was sitting in his vehicle when Lecompt came out of his home multiple times, yelling profanities and carrying an AR-15.

The victim, who told police he did not know Lecompt, called 911 and left the area after Lecompt reportedly came out of his home a third time and pointed the gun at him.

When officers arrived, Lecompt had barricaded himself inside his home. After trying several times to communicate, including texts sent by police, his ex-wife and adult son, Lecompt refused to come out of the home, police said.

Dig deeper:

Police said there was probable cause to arrest Lecompt for domestic battery, as he had allegedly assaulted his ex-wife a week prior.

PPPD’s SWAT team came in to handle the standoff. Officers said their plan was to break open the front door using an MRAP vehicle and deploy a drone to locate Lecompt inside and evaluate the situation. After breaking the door frame, police say Lecompt appeared at the door with a shotgun and pointed it at officers.

Two officers fired multiple rounds, hitting Lecompt. He was taken to Bayfront Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police held a press conference Tuesday evening. They say the investigation remains in the early stages.

No officers were injured during the standoff.

What we don't know:

The police department said early information indicates Lecompt may have a military background. SPPD would not confirm if Lecompt fired any shots at police or who shot first during the incident, as the investigation still unfolds.

Weapons found in Ryan Lecompt's home | Courtesy: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

What they're saying:

"We don't need to wait for him to shoot, especially with a guy that came out already three times with an AR-15 and directly pointed that AR-15 at the victim. He's the one that created this situation, and it is what it is," Pinellas County Sheriff Gualtieri said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.