Crime & Public Safety
Pasco deputies shoot man armed with butcher knife behind Hudson plaza
A man was shot and died by a Pasco County deputy behind a shopping plaza in Hudson after deputies say he refused to drop a knife. Pasco County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) officials say deputies responded to a trespassing call in the Little Road area and located the man at the north end of the plaza behind a gas station.
According to PCSO, the call came shortly before deputies found the man. Deputies say they approached and observed the man holding a 7.5-inch butcher knife; after attempts at verbal de-escalation failed, a deputy fired at the man. PCSO reported that one deputy ordered the man to drop the knife six times and that he did not comply.
Agency action included on-scene emergency medical treatment provided by deputies and emergency crews; PCSO said the man died at the scene. Investigators have not released the man’s name pending next-of-kin notification. The sheriff’s office confirmed the deputies who fired rounds have been placed on paid administrative leave per department policy and that body-worn camera footage will be released.
Allegations documented by PCSO include that the man was screaming, making threats, and was armed with a large butcher knife. Proven facts, as stated by the agency, are that deputies responded to a trespassing call, located the armed man behind the plaza, a deputy fired after verbal commands, medical aid was given, and the man was declared dead at the scene. PCSO says the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
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