A 25-year-old man, Cristian Javier Estrada Perez, was shot and killed by Pasco County deputies during an incident in Dade City, officials confirmed. According to WFLA, the shooting occurred around 8:30 p.m. yesterday at a residence on Rose Avenue, where deputies were attempting to serve a court order for a mental health evaluation.
Family members reported Perez had been acting erratically. Deputies had previously attempted to contact him on Wednesday to Friday last week, and on Monday without success, according to Colonel Tait Sanborn, as noted by WTSP. Deputies were also warned that Perez was known to carry a firearm.
Yesterday, after efforts to get Perez to exit the home failed, deputies used pepper balls to try to force him out. As per WFLA, Perez then fired four shots at deputies using a gun strapped to his hand. Two deputies returned fire, resulting in Perez's death. No deputies were injured.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is now leading the investigation. As standard procedure, the deputies who discharged their weapons have been placed on administrative leave, as confirmed by the Pasco Sheriff's Office to abc Action News.
Officials stated there is no ongoing threat to the community. The investigation remains active.
