Sheriff's deputy shot, killed driver who tried to ram him, according to report

A shooting from a Sarasota deputy that resulted in a fatality closed Webber Street between South Tamiami Trail and South Shade Avenue for several hours Tuesday morning.

The shooting occurred after Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of Phillippi Street and South Tamiami Trail at approximately 12:31 a.m. The driver did not stop, which led to a vehicle pursuit to the 2300 block of Webber Street at the intersection of Lime Avenue. 

There, according to the Sheriff’s Office, the driver attempted to ram a deputy with his vehicle, resulting in the deputy discharging his firearm, striking the driver. The vehicle subsequently crashed into the rear of a residence on Webber Street.

The Sheriff’s Office reports deputies pulled the suspect from the vehicle and attempted life-saving measures at the scene along with the Sarasota County Fire Department, but the driver was pronounced deceased. 

One deputy sustained a leg injury during the incident and was transported to the hospital for further evaluation.