The deputy instructed Smith to get out of the car and he did not comply. Instead, Smith started to speed and drive recklessly away with the deputy hanging from the open door of the car. The deputy instructed Smith to stop multiple times, before the deputy deployed his taser.

After the deployment of the taser, the deputy warned Smith he would shoot if he did not stop the car. Smith continued to drive recklessly, ignoring the additional commands, and the deputy then shot Smith. Following the shooting, the deputy was able to stop the vehicle and immediatley rendered aid to Smith. However, as a result of his injuries Smith is deceased.

As per PSO’s standard protocol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the deputy-involved shooting. The investigation remains ongoing. No further updates are available at this time.

A link to the news conference is available on this page as well as PSO’s Facebook page.

Original Alert, Mar. 16, 7:30 p.m.: Pasco Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a deputy involved shooting at US 19 and New York Ave. All lanes of US 19 between New York Ave. and Bolton Ave. are shut down for the investigation. Preliminary investigation indicates an adult white male is deceased after an altercation with deputies. No deputies are injured and there is no public safety threat as all parties are accounted for. An update will be provided when available.