PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – A Spring Hill resident was taken into protective custody this afternoon after a mental health crisis prompted a response from Pasco Sheriff’s deputies.
Deputies were called to the Donavan Court area following reports of an individual expressing suicidal thoughts. The individual was located outside with a firearm. Despite numerous attempts by deputies to de-escalate the situation through verbal communication, the individual continued to hold the firearm.
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Deputies then deployed two less-lethal rounds and one lethal round. One less-lethal round struck the individual, causing minor injuries. The lethal round missed. The individual was then taken into protective custody without further incident.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) reviewed the circumstances and authorized the Pasco Sheriff’s Office to lead the investigation. There is no ongoing threat to public safety. The deputy who discharged the lethal round has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure.
The investigation is ongoing, and no further details are available at this time.
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