Page 12 - Florida Sentinel 7-7-17

Local
Early Morning Police Shooting Leaves Man Dead
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Detectives are currently in- vestigating an incident that re- sulted in a man being fatally wounded by police. The man’s name has not been released pending notification of his next of kin.
According to police, the Plant City Police Department received a 9-1-1 call trans- ferred from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at ap- proximately 5 a.m. Thursday.
The unidentified caller told the dispatcher that he needed police because he had been chased for the past two hours. The caller did not reveal who was chasing him. As the dis- patcher attempted to gather more information, the man stopped talking, but left the telephone line open.
During this time, an un- known man’s voice could be heard in the background. At various times, the man was grunting, crying, and scream- ing. Meanwhile attempts by police to locate the man were unsuccessful.
As police continued to search for the man, they learned that he had called from a mobile phone. Officers were sent to the areas where
the caller was last known to be. However, the caller discon- nected the phone call before he could be positively located, po- lice said.
Dispatchers attempted to reconnect with the caller, but were not successful.
As the officers combed the area searching for the man, an officer observed a black Nissan traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver of the vehicle reportedly attempted to run the officer off the road, the spokesman said.
At that point, the informa- tion was relayed to other offi- cers in the area. The officers deflated the tires on the vehicle in an attempt to disable it. However, the driver continued driving westbound on Coronet Road, at the intersection of Park Road and E. Alsobrook Street.
At some point, the driver lost control of the vehicle and drove onto the property of the BP Gas Station, 1908 E. Also- brook Street.
As the officers surrounded the vehicle, they issued several commands for the man to show his hands and get out of the car. The man ignored the
commands. He is then alleged to have gone into the driver’s side rear door of the vehicle to obtain an unknown object.
At that point, two officers in fear of their lives, opened fire, shooting the man several times. The unidentified man died at the scene. No other in- juries were reported to police.
Sgt. Al Van Duyne,
spokesman for the Plant City Police Department said, the in- vestigation is continuing and the man’s identity cannot be released until his next of kin has been notified.
He further stated that based on the investigation, it is believed that the caller was the same man involved in the shooting.
It is believed that two of the officers surrounding the car fired their service weapons. Those officers will be placed on administrative duties pending the outcome of the investiga- tion.
No additional information was available at press time.
Pamela
The Spotlight feature this week is the lovely and unforgettable Pamela. Priding herself on being unique, Pamela is prepared to handle any challenge that lies ahead for her. Full of energy and ambition Pamela knows she won’t stop until she’s reached her goals. Pamela enjoys spending time with family and friends, and although she’s driven, she also knows when to just chill out and relax. Congratulations to Pamela as this week’s Spotlight feature.
PAGE 12-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2017