PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PSO) is investigating a deputy-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a wanted felon in the Princeton Drive area of Bayonet Point on Sunday. Deputies were attempting to apprehend 41-year-old Matthew Phillips, who had multiple felony warrants and a long history of criminal activity.
According to Sheriff Chris Nocco, deputies arrived at Phillips’ residence around 9:30 p.m. and spent approximately 30 minutes trying to de-escalate the situation and persuade him to surrender peacefully. Family members inside the home provided law enforcement with crucial information about Phillips’ refusal to comply, with reports stating that he had previously expressed his unwillingness to return to prison and threatened a shootout with authorities.
Despite repeated commands from deputies, Phillips fled the residence through the back door with a firearm in hand, prompting a PSO K9 unit to be deployed. A physical altercation ensued between Phillips, the K9, and deputies as he continued to possess the weapon and refused to comply with commands to drop it. Deputies, fearing for their lives and the safety of others, discharged their firearms, fatally shooting Phillips. No deputies were injured during the incident.
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Sheriff Nocco addressed the media in a press conference, emphasizing the professionalism and bravery of his deputies during the tense encounter. “These deputies were in a fight for their lives. They did what they were trained to do – protect themselves, our community, and our K9. Phillips’ actions dictated their response, and I am proud that they are going home safely tonight,” said Nocco.
Phillips, who had an extensive criminal record, had been wanted by law enforcement since Friday. He was known to have 26 felony arrests and 18 misdemeanor arrests, with his most recent release occurring in August. Authorities confirmed that he had a history of violent offenses and posed a serious threat to the community.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) will conduct an independent investigation into the shooting, as per standard protocol for all deputy-involved shootings. The deputies involved have been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing.
Despite the tense situation, Nocco assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community. “This was an isolated incident, and our deputies acted swiftly to protect the public,” he stated. Residents in the area were advised to avoid the crime scene while investigators conducted their work but were otherwise assured that it was safe to resume normal activities.
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Body camera footage from the incident, which includes intense moments of deputies repeatedly commanding Phillips to drop his weapon, has been released to the public. Sheriff Nocco acknowledged the graphic nature of the footage, stating that it underscores the split-second decisions law enforcement officers must make in life-threatening situations.
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public safety and supporting the mental well-being of the deputies involved. “Our deputies will receive the support and mental health care they need following this traumatic event,” Nocco concluded.
The investigation remains active, and further details will be released as they become available.
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