State clears Sarasota Police officers in Feb. 26 fatal shooting

Following a monthslong investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has completed its investigation into the Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, officer-involved fatal shooting that occurred near the intersection of U.S. 41 and University Parkway.

The FDLE has determined that the officers' actions were justified and that they may return to duty. All five officers were placed on administrative leave following the incident, then on limited duty.

"I want to express my gratitude to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for their thorough and impartial investigation, said SPD Chief Rex Troche in a statement. "Our commitment to transparency is the reason we bring in a reputable third party to conduct such investigations."

The incident occurred at around 7:50 a.m. on Feb. 26 after SPD officers attempted to arrest William Michael Pickett on a warrant issued by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office for the robbery of a Fifth Third Bank branch at 6265 Tuttle Ave. near University Parkway in Sarasota County.

Officers pursued Pickett to a location on University Parkway near the entrance of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport where while, in an apparent attempt to elude arrest, backed his car into a pond just south of the road. 

Multiple body camera videos did not clearly show the shooting, although in each of the videos an officer can be heard shouting “He’s reaching into his jacket. … He’s got gun to his head.”

An officer ordering Pickett from the vehicle then shouted: “Come on, man. Don’t do it. Get out of the car. There’s a better …” At that, more than a dozen shots rang out.

When the submerged tan Cadillac was pulled from the pond, multiple bullet holes in the windshield were observed.

“The safety of our community and the integrity of our department are our top priorities," Troche said in the statement. "We are relieved that the investigation has confirmed that our officers acted appropriately under very challenging circumstances. Our officers will be returning to duty, continuing their commitment to serve and protect the Sarasota community with the highest standards of professionalism."

This story was updated to include comments by Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche.