CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – A Citrus County Sheriff’s deputy was forced to shoot a suspect who resisted arrest and attempted to disarm the officer during a pursuit on Thursday, August 8th.
Deputies were investigating Paul David Badovinac, 41, for felony battery on an elderly victim when he fled on foot. During the pursuit in a wooded area, Badovinac fought with the deputy and tried to take the deputy’s gun. Badovinac then pulled a knife on the deputy, who responded by shooting him twice.
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Badovinac was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. He will face charges upon release.
Sheriff Michael Prendergast expressed his concern over the incident, stating, “I am appalled by Mr. Badovinac’s actions… Thanks to the quick actions taken by our deputies, he will answer for his crimes.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting, and the deputy has been placed on administrative leave, per agency policy.
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