This browser does not support the Video element.
Deputy-involved shooting under investigation
Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco gives an update after a deputy was shot by a suspect accused of shooting and killing a man who was clearing a piece of land across from his home.
NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - A man is dead and three others, including a Pasco County deputy are in the hospital, following several shootings in New Port Richey on Monday afternoon.
What we know:
According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s office, a man and woman were clearing out a lot that they owned when a man who lives across the street, Aaron Rodriguez, went over to them and started yelling and harassing the pair.
The man called 911 and investigators said he was shot while he was on the phone with a dispatcher.
The man collapsed at the intersection while the woman, who was also shot, started running down the street, away from the suspect.
READ: Florida man trying to pass 3 vehicles in Polk County kills 2 motorcyclists in head-on crash: PCSO
When deputies arrived, they began rendering aid to both the man and the woman.
Crews with Pasco Fire Rescue took the woman to the hospital.
While helping the man, who eventually died from his injuries, deputies learned that the suspect was believed to be in a nearby house.
Deputies said they saw a gun as they approached the house and ordered the suspect to drop it.
The suspect did not drop the gun and shots were fired.
The K9 handler, who was leading two other deputies, was shot as was the suspect.
The deputy and the suspect were taken to an area hospital.
The deputy is expected to recover.
What they're saying:
"The suspect was out there causing problems," explained Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco. "The suspect then shoots an innocent person. He then shoots another innocent person. He then goes into his garage and when deputies order him to drop his gun, he doesn’t. I know in life we teach people stuff. If you put your hand on something hot like a boiling pot, you’re going to get burned. If you play with glass, you’re going to get cut. If you point a gun at a Pasco deputy, you’re going to get shot and that’s what happened today. There’s no apologies. There’s no sympathy. He got shot, and I feel horrible for the victims."
"He caused it all. He’s going to deal with it," Nocco stated. "Whether he dies, he dies and if he lives, he’ll spend the rest of his life in prison or he’ll get the death penalty, but his life will no longer be the same because of his actions today."
What we don't know:
Sheriff Nocco said it is unclear why the suspect went over to the man and the woman began yelling at them and eventually shot them.
The condition of the female victim and the suspect is unknown.
It is also unclear if the suspect or the deputies fired first.
"I don’t care who shot first," Nocco added. "You point a gun at one of our people, you’re going to get shot. There’s no ifs, and, or buts about it. Don’t point a gun at a deputy. It’s that simple in life."
What's next:
FDLE is investigating the deputy-involved shooting.
The Source: This article was written with information presented by Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco during a press conference on Monday afternoon.