Pinellas Deputy opens fire on subject at Largo motel
A Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputy opened fire last night at about 8:30pm. The wounded subject was suspected of illegally dealing in firearms.
The incident occurred at the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel at 6500 Ulmerton Road in the City of Largo. The Deputy involved as been identified at Bill Hartigan who has been with PCSO since April of 2007 and part of the Community Policing Unit. He received information earlier in the evening that a suspect was heading to the Hotel in order to conduct the sale of firearms. Along with other law enforcement personnel, Deputy Hartigan set up surveillance around the hotel.
When the suspect arrived, he backed his vehicle into a space near the rear of the hotel’s parking lot. Deputy Hartigan approached the driver and ordered him out of the car several times. The suspect refused Deputy Hartigan’s instructions and eventually began driving his vehicle forward. As he drove forward, the suspect reached in his waistband as if to retrieve a weapon. Fearing for his safety and the safety of other law enforcement present, Deputy Hartigan shot the suspect several times.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered the suspect was in possession of multiple firearms. Sheriff Gualtieri said that drugs were also located inside the vehicle.
The suspect information from last night’s shooting is as follows:
Anthony Antonio Newkirk
DOB: 11/04/1980
2343 36th Street South
St. Petersburg, FL
He has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of cocaine and a Habitual felony Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (DWLSR).
His condition is described as stable at a local hospital.
Deputy Hartigan, who was not injured in the incident, has been placed on routine paid administrative leave during the investigation.
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