Pinellas County detectives are investigating the death of an off-duty Pasco County sheriff’s deputy who authorities say threatened another deputy with a handgun before fatally shooting himself in Palm Harbor early Saturday.
Deputies responded to 37100 U.S. 19 North at approximately 2:37 a.m. on October 24, 2026, after receiving multiple 911 calls. They found 30-year-old David Greis Ospina inside his vehicle with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Lifesaving measures were attempted, and Ospina was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
According to detectives, Ospina and a woman who is also a Pasco County sheriff’s deputy had attended a Halloween party in Pasco County earlier in the evening. They later went to Silks Gentleman’s Club in Palm Harbor, where they became involved in an altercation in the parking lot.
Investigators said the two entered Ospina’s truck, with Ospina in the driver’s seat and the woman in the back seat. Ospina then produced a handgun and pointed it at her before turning the weapon on himself.
The woman exited the truck and alerted patrons at the business, who called 911.
Ospina had been employed by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office since July 15, 2019. His next of kin has been notified.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Robbery & Homicide Unit is continuing its investigation.
If you or a loved one are contemplating suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, there is help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline connects those in crisis with a trained counselor who can help with a mental health emergency and direct them to additional resources. Call or text 988, or chat at 988Lifeline.org/Chat
